New Delhi: The 5th Hockey India Senior Women’s Inter-Department National Championship 2025 was officially opened by Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, the Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, at Shivaji Stadium in New Delhi. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Shri A.S. Sahney, the Chairman of Indian Oil, Dr. Dilip Kumar Tirkey, the President of Hockey India, along with federation members, coaches, support personnel, and eager students from several schools.
During his speech, Shri Puri emphasized the significant role played by Indian Oil and other petroleum companies in both bolstering the national economy and supporting sports across India. He reminisced about the historic contributions to hockey by Indian legends such as Shri Harbinder Singh and Shri Zafar Iqbal, who have been a source of inspiration to many, including himself during his younger years.
Shri Puri praised the ascent of Indian women’s hockey on the international platform, acknowledging stars like Rani Rampal and Savita Punia for elevating the country’s stature on the global sports stage. He highlighted how their achievements not only bring honor to the nation but also motivate the upcoming generations.
He drew parallels between the values essential in sports – such as discipline and teamwork – and those that drive success in other areas like diplomacy and governance. Shri Puri expressed his hopes for the championship to act as a beacon of inspiration for more young women to engage in hockey.
Shri Puri also pointed out the enhanced focus on sports under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, citing initiatives like Khelo India and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). These efforts are part of a broader strategy to empower youth through sports and build robust support systems for athletes, which are manifesting in India’s improved performances in international arenas like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.
In his concluding remarks, Shri Puri cheered on the 11 teams participating in the championship. He encouraged them to uphold the spirit of discipline and teamwork, emphasizing that the event should be remembered for its role in fostering dreams, friendships, and societal progress. He wished for the event to contribute positively to the future of Indian sports and the empowerment of women in the country.
