Celebrating the Future of Indian Hockey: Sitaare Aur Soorma Event in Chennai

The Sitaare Aur Soorma event in Chennai brought together hockey legends, current players, and young talents to celebrate the sport's heritage and future. Organized by JSW Sports' Soorma Hockey Club, the event featured interactive clinics, an exhibition match, and the unveiling of a new jersey, symbolizing the connection between generations. Coaches Philippe Goldberg and Jude Menezes emphasized teamwork and cultural integration, highlighting the importance of building strong connections on and off the field. This initiative serves as a reminder that the strength of Indian hockey lies in its legacy and the inspiration it provides to future stars.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 25, 2025, 20:06 IST

A Day of Hockey Celebration in Chennai

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India] - On December 25, Indian hockey showcased its vibrant spirit in Chennai through the Sitaare Aur Soorma event, organized by JSW Sports' Soorma Hockey Club. This initiative brought together hockey legends, current international players, and aspiring young athletes, creating a unique atmosphere that honored both the sport's rich history and its promising future.

Taking place at the Ramchandra University Ground, the event was designed as an engaging hockey experience rather than a formal exhibition. It fostered a sense of community among students, fans, media, and players, all united by their love for the game.

A highlight of the day was the unveiling of the new Soorma Hockey Club jersey, presented in front of both seasoned players and youth, symbolizing the connection between the club's storied past and the upcoming generation ready to don its colors.

As the gates opened, the venue quickly filled with eager young trainees and students, setting the stage for a day focused on inspiration and hockey.

The event kicked off with interactive hockey clinics led by renowned players Rani Rampal and Sardar Singh. Children participated in training sessions across three areas: attack, midfield, and defense. The clinics encouraged interaction, allowing players to demonstrate techniques, correct positioning, and engage with the young participants.

This was followed by an exciting 7-a-side exhibition match, featuring a mix of Soorma Hockey Club's men's and women's teams alongside Indian hockey legends like Vasudevan Baskaran and Mohammed Riaz. The match format transcended generational and gender boundaries, embodying the event's lively spirit.

A particularly poignant moment occurred during the recognition of hockey legends, who were honored on the field in front of the younger generation. The sight of these icons standing alongside current players during the jersey reveal highlighted the themes of continuity, respect, and shared passion for the sport.

Philippe Goldberg, Head Coach of Soorma Hockey Club, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "The team always comes first for me. We have talented players, and our focus is on building a cohesive unit both on and off the field. If we achieve that, the results and joy of the game will naturally follow, inspiring young players across India through our style of play."

Jude Menezes, Head Coach of the Women's team, added, "Our overseas players have been warmly welcomed and have embraced Indian culture, which is wonderful to witness. The girls are fit, well-prepared, and knowledgeable about hockey. Now, it's about fostering strong connections on the field through more time spent together."

The Sitaare Aur Soorma initiative serves as a powerful reminder that the strength of Indian hockey lies not only in its achievements but also in its legacy, where legends inspire new stars, and these stars ignite the dreams of future generations.