Setting the Stage in China
When the India A squads touched down in the eastern provinces of China this October, expectations were high but the pressure was real. The men’s contingent headed for Changzhou in Jiangsu, where they would face the regional powerhouse Gansu Club in a four‑match showdown. Meanwhile, the women’s group booked their tickets to Dalian’s Liaoning Sports Centre, ready to spar with the host province’s senior side over five games.
Both tours were billed as exposure trips – a chance for emerging talent to test themselves against seasoned opposition, pick up minutes, and build chemistry ahead of future senior assignments. What unfolded was a mix of clinical dominance on the men’s side and stubborn resilience from the women.
A Dominant Run for the Men
The Indian men opened the series on 12 October with a thumping 7‑0 victory. Early pressure paid off as Varun Kumar and Selvam Karthi each slotted a penalty corner, while Uttam Singh and Venkatesh Dhananjay Kenche found the net from open play. The real headline, however, was Angad Bir Singh, who rattled off a hat‑trick, turning a comfortable lead into a statement win.
Match two, played three days later, was tighter. Gansu managed to get on the scoreboard, but India A edged them 2‑1 thanks to goals from Selvam Karthi and the tour’s leading marksman, Aditya Arjun Lalage. Lalage’s finish marked the beginning of a personal run that would see him top the scoring chart.
The third encounter turned into a goal‑fest, with the visitors cruising to an 8‑0 rout. Poovanna Chandura Boby added a penalty‑corner conversion, while the front line – Aditya Arjun Lalage, Maninder Singh, Selvam Karthi and Venkatesh Dhananjay Kenche – each tapped in field goals. Captain Sanjay, a drag‑flick specialist, contributed from the circle, and Mohammed Raheel Mouseen capped the night with a brace.
Closing the series on 18 October, India A delivered yet another high‑scoring display, beating Gansu 8‑3. Rajkumar Pal, Uttam Singh and Venkatesh Dhananjay Kenche each netted a field goal, Amandeep Lakra added a penalty‑corner tally, and Lalage struck twice. Captain Sanjay, ever reliable from set‑pieces, converted two more drag‑flicks, sealing a clean sweep for the touring side.
By the end of the four matches, Lalage had amassed four goals – the most of any player on the tour – while Sanjay, Selvam Karthi, Venkatesh Dhananjay Kenche and Angad Bir Singh each contributed three. The men’s unit walked away with a perfect record, a goal difference that would make any coach smile, and a growing confidence that could translate into senior national duties.
Women’s Squad Shows Grit in a Hard‑Fought Series
Across the border in Dalian, the India A women’s team embarked on a five‑match series against Liaoning from 13 to 21 October. Unlike the men’s clean‑sheet run, the women’s itinerary was peppered with draws and a solitary loss, but each result told a story of perseverance.
The opening game ended 1‑1, with Albela Rani Toppo breaking the deadlock for India. The goal set a tone of competitiveness, but the second match saw Liaoning pull ahead 3‑1, despite a fighting strike from captain Manisha Chauhan.
Undeterred, the Indian side rallied to a 1‑1 stalemate in the third encounter, again with Chauhan finding the net. The fourth test was a more open affair, ending 2‑2 after goals from Baljeet Kaur and Chauhan herself. The final showdown was a roller‑coaster, a 3‑3 thriller that featured a trio of Indian scorers – Kajal Sadashiv Atpadkar, Pooja Yadav and Deepika Soreng.
Although the women didn’t secure a win, the series highlighted a collective resolve. Chauhan emerged as the leading scorer for the squad, registering three goals across five games. The ability to bounce back after a defeat and to grind out draws against a seasoned Chinese side speaks volumes about the team’s mental toughness.
Key Takeaways and What Lies Ahead
Both tours offered a snapshot of India’s depth in field hockey. For the men, the unbeaten streak underscores a potent blend of attacking flair and disciplined set‑piece execution. The fact that five different players found the back of the net multiple times suggests a well‑distributed scoring threat – a luxury for any coach eyeing a balanced lineup.
On the women’s side, the series may not have produced a win, but the ability to score against a strong Liaoning outfit and to hold their own in high‑scoring draws hints at an evolving offensive unit. The leadership shown by Manisha Chauhan, both as captain and top scorer, will be crucial as the senior team prepares for upcoming Asian competitions.
Looking forward, the performances in China are likely to influence selection camps back in New Delhi. Young faces like Aditya Arjun Lalage and Baljeet Kaur have announced themselves loudly, while veterans such as Captain Sanjay and Manisha Chauhan have reinforced their status as reliable pillars.
In the bigger picture, these exposure tours serve a dual purpose: they sharpen individual skills and foster a sense of unity among players who may soon share the same locker room at the senior level. As India continues to chase Olympic glory and aims to climb the world rankings, the lessons learned in Changzhou and Dalian will be woven into the fabric of future campaigns.
Stat Sheet Snapshot
- Men’s Top Scorer: Aditya Arjun Lalage – 4 goals
- Women’s Top Scorer: Manisha Chauhan (captain) – 3 goals
- Men’s Overall Record: 4 wins, 0 losses, 0 draws
- Women’s Overall Record: 0 wins, 1 loss, 4 draws
- Goal Difference (Men): +20
- Goal Difference (Women): +2
All in all, the China tour was a proving ground that delivered both fireworks and hard‑earned lessons. Whether it’s a hat‑trick from Angad Bir Singh or a late equaliser from Deepika Soreng, the moments captured will linger in the players’ memories and, hopefully, in the annals of Indian hockey history.
