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Sports
Haryana men's hockey team clinches national title as coach cuts salary, players fund physio
✍️ The New Indian Express
🗓 23 Oct 2026, 04:47 AM
👁 15
The Haryana men's hockey side secured the national championship, with the coach voluntarily reducing his pay and the squad raising funds to cover their physiotherapist’s salary.
The Haryana men's hockey team emerged victorious in the Senior National Hockey Championship, defeating their opponents in a tightly contested final to claim the coveted title. The triumph marks a significant milestone for the state’s hockey program, which has been rebuilding its talent pool over recent years.
In a display of self‑less leadership, the team’s head coach announced a voluntary reduction in his salary ahead of the tournament, citing the need to allocate resources more effectively for the squad’s support staff. The decision was welcomed by players and officials alike, highlighting the coach’s commitment to the team’s collective success.
Following the coach’s gesture, the players organized a modest fundraising drive to ensure that the team’s physiotherapist received a full month’s salary. Contributions were pooled from the squad members, underscoring the camaraderie and shared responsibility that have become hallmarks of the Haryana side.
The victory, coupled with these internal financial adjustments, is being hailed as a testament to the team’s unity and resilience. Analysts suggest that the collaborative spirit demonstrated off the field could serve as a model for other state teams aiming for sustained performance.
Looking ahead, the Haryana Hockey Association plans to build on this momentum by investing in grassroots development and enhancing coaching infrastructure, with the aim of maintaining the state’s presence at the top tier of Indian hockey.
In a display of self‑less leadership, the team’s head coach announced a voluntary reduction in his salary ahead of the tournament, citing the need to allocate resources more effectively for the squad’s support staff. The decision was welcomed by players and officials alike, highlighting the coach’s commitment to the team’s collective success.
Following the coach’s gesture, the players organized a modest fundraising drive to ensure that the team’s physiotherapist received a full month’s salary. Contributions were pooled from the squad members, underscoring the camaraderie and shared responsibility that have become hallmarks of the Haryana side.
The victory, coupled with these internal financial adjustments, is being hailed as a testament to the team’s unity and resilience. Analysts suggest that the collaborative spirit demonstrated off the field could serve as a model for other state teams aiming for sustained performance.
Looking ahead, the Haryana Hockey Association plans to build on this momentum by investing in grassroots development and enhancing coaching infrastructure, with the aim of maintaining the state’s presence at the top tier of Indian hockey.