Suruchi, the daughter of an army veteran from Jhajjar, showcased her immense talent by securing her first-ever senior national title in the women’s 10m air pistol final with an impressive score of 243.1. She then added the junior and youth titles to her name, creating a lasting impression in the competition. This triple gold haul also marks a significant improvement from her silver medal in the same category at last year’s nationals.

Dominating a Star-Studded Field

Entering the eight-woman final as the top qualifier with a commanding score of 585, Suruchi proved her mettle against a field packed with seasoned shooters. The lineup included Olympian Rhythm Sangwan, reigning Asian Games champion Palak, India international Divya TS, and junior world champion Sainyam.

Despite the stiff competition, Suruchi maintained her composure throughout the 24-shot final. She showcased consistent shooting, growing stronger as eliminations progressed after the 12th shot. Her precision left no room for doubt, as she fired only three mid to high 9s in the last 12 shots. Suruchi’s dominant performance left her state-mate Rhythm Sangwan trailing by 5.7 points to take the second position, while Maharashtra’s Krushnali Rajput finished third.

Triple Gold Triumph

The junior and youth finals saw equally commanding performances from Suruchi. In the junior event, she faced stiff competition from Chandigarh’s Sainyam but managed to clinch the gold with a 3.4-point lead, finishing with a score of 245.1. Her most decisive win came in the youth final, where her score of 245.5 put her a staggering 6.3 points ahead of silver medalist Sanskriti Bana from Uttar Pradesh. Palak, the reigning Asian Games champion, secured bronze in this category.

A Day to Remember

Reflecting on her achievement, Suruchi expressed her joy, saying, “It is certainly a most memorable day. It was my first senior national title and to win three golds in a day is really special. Shooting, shooting, and only shooting is what is in my mind in the days to come.”

Suruchi’s exceptional performance at the nationals cements her status as one of India’s brightest young talents in shooting. Her triple gold triumph not only highlights her potential but also serves as inspiration for aspiring shooters across the country.

The post Haryana Teen Suruchi Shines with Triple Gold at 67th Shooting Nationals appeared first on FolksTimes.

This year, HIL returns with an even greater focus on fan engagement and accessibility. In a move to make the sport more popular, Hockey India has announced that tickets for the opening ceremony and all matches will be completely free for fans. Tickets can be booked via Ticketgenie, allowing fans to enjoy world-class hockey live from the stands.

“Hockey Ka Jashn” – Celebrating the Sport

As part of its mission to bring fans closer to the game, Hockey India has launched the “Hockey Ka Jashn” initiative. This campaign will see players embark on a nationwide tour, engaging communities and spreading excitement for hockey across the country.

The opening ceremony promises to be a star-studded event, headlined by Bollywood actress Sara Ali Khan and popular music artist King. Adding to the spectacle, the renowned Shiamak Davar Dance Troupe will deliver dynamic performances, while anamorphic floor projection mapping will create stunning 3D visuals, setting the stage for the league’s grand return.

Leaders Speak on HIL’s Revival

Dilip Tirkey, Chairperson of the HIL Governing Committee, shared his enthusiasm about the league’s revival. “We are thrilled to reintroduce Hero HIL with greater fan accessibility and innovative broadcasting,” he said, as quoted from the official press release.

Adding to this, Governing Committee member Bhola Nath Singh stated, “The response for Hockey India League has been incredible, and the 2024-2025 season of HIL is all about celebrating hockey and giving fans an unparalleled experience. From top-tier player signings to securing Hero MotoCorp as our sponsor, HIL’s return is a pivotal moment for Indian hockey. Our ‘Hockey Ka Jashn’ campaign will take the game to every corner of the country.”

Action-Packed Matches Await

The league will kick off with a thrilling opening match between Gonasika and Delhi SG Pipers on December 28. Fans can expect a season packed with unforgettable moments as HIL 2024-25 sets the stage for exceptional hockey action.

The return of the Hockey India League is not just a tournament—it’s a celebration of India’s love for hockey, bringing communities together and inspiring the next generation of players and fans. With free tickets, top-tier talent, and innovative fan experiences, HIL 2024-25 is set to make its mark as a premier global hockey event.

The post Hockey India League 2024-25: Countdown Begins, Free Tickets for Fans appeared first on FolksTimes.