The Soorma Hockey Club recently hosted a special event in Chennai, bringing together legends, current internationals, and young academy players to celebrate both the heritage and future of the sport. During the occasion, the Hockey India League (HIL) side unveiled its new jersey for the upcoming 2026 season.
A Celebration of Hockey
Held at the Ramchandra University Ground, the event was more than a formal showcase; it was a shared hockey experience uniting students, fans, media, and players. The unveiling of Soorma Hockey Club’s new jersey, witnessed by both players and youngsters, symbolised the bridge between the club’s rich legacy and the next generation ready to don its colours.
Sitaare Aur Soorma Initiative
Sitaare Aur Soorma is an initiative by JSW Sports’ Soorma Hockey Club, emphasizing that Indian hockey’s strength lies not only in results but also in continuity. Here, legends inspire stars, and stars shape the dreams of future players. The Wednesday event truly embodied this motto, celebrating the past, present, and future of the sport in the country.
Engaging Activities and Clinics
From the moment the gates opened, young trainees and institute students flooded the ground, setting an inspirational tone for the day. Structured hockey clinics, led by former India captains Rani Rampal and Sardar Singh, began with children training across three stations focused on attack, midfield, and defence. These interactive sessions allowed players to explain movements, correct positioning, and encourage questions.
Exciting Exhibition Match
Following the clinics, a lively 7-a-side exhibition match took place, played across four short quarters. This match featured combinations of Soorma Hockey Club’s men’s and women’s teams alongside Indian hockey legends like Vasudevan Baskaran and Mohammed Riaz. The format blurred generational and gender lines, creating an energetic atmosphere on the field.
Honoring the Legends
One of the most poignant moments of the evening occurred during the legend felicitation, as stalwarts of Indian hockey were welcomed onto the field and honoured in front of the younger generation. As the legends stood alongside current players during the jersey reveal, the symbolism of continuity, respect, and shared ownership of the sport was unmistakable.
Coaches’ Thoughts
Philippe Goldberg, Head Coach of Soorma Hockey Club, remarked, “For me, what’s most important is that the team always comes first. We have big names and a lot of talent. The focus is on building something together, on and off the field, and playing as one unit. If we do that, the results and the joy of the game will follow, and we can inspire young kids in India through the way we play.”
Jude Menezes, Head Coach of Soorma Hockey Club Women’s team, stated, “The overseas players have felt very welcome and have embraced Indian culture, which has been great to see. The girls are fit, prepared, and know their hockey well. Now it’s about spending more time together and building strong on-field connections.”