Indian sports wrap, June 18: Junior hockey men’s team leaves for 4 Nations; Actress Kangana Ranaut named brand ambassador of World Para Athletics Championships

HOCKEY

India junior men’s hockey team leaves for 4 Nations Tournament in Germany

The Indian junior men’s hockey team left for Berlin on Wednesday morning to take part in the upcoming 4 Nations Tournament that is scheduled to be held between June 21-25.

Led by Araijeet Singh Hundal, the team will play its first pool stage match against the host Germany on June 21, followed by matches against Australia on June 22 and Spain on June 24. The top two teams in the pool stage will then compete for the top spot, while the bottom two teams will play for third and fourth rankings on June 25. All matches will be held at TC 1899 Blau Weiß, Berlin.

Before the side’s departure, Araijeet said, “This tournament is crucial for us ahead of the FIH Junior World Cup 2025. With just a few months to go, it’s the perfect opportunity for us to assess our strengths, try out new combinations, and identify areas for improvement. We’ll be facing some of the best hockey teams, which will allow us to test our strength and try different strategies.”

The FIH Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup 2025 will take place in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 to December 10. With less than six months left for the global hockey event, the 4 Nations Tournament will serve as a vital preparatory platform for the Indian colts.

-Team Sportstar

ESPORTS/CHESS

NODWIN Gaming joins hands with Chess.com, ChessBase India

NODWIN Gaming, a leader in South Asia’s esports and gaming ecosystem, on Wednesday announced a strategic partnership with the world’s largest chess platform, Chess.com, and India’s leading chess media and grassroots organisation, ChessBase India.

The collaboration aims to create a unified ecosystem that nurtures talent, expands reach, and builds India’s presence on the global chess esports stage. Together, they plan to fuel the co-creation and scaling of original IPs, deliver premium competitive formats, spark deeper engagement across both player and creator communities, and deliver great opportunities for brands to partner in the rapidly growing chess ecosystem.

Speaking on the announcement, Akshat Rathee, co-founder and managing director of NODWIN Gaming, said, “Chess is undergoing a cultural renaissance, from park benches and schoolrooms to sold-out esports arenas and creator streams. Chess has now become the fourth most-watched sport in the country after cricket, kabaddi, and BGMI tournaments. With this partnership, we’re not just supporting a heritage game; we’re aiding in its natural course of progression.”

The partnership also aligns with the rise of chess as a recognised esports discipline. At the upcoming Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025, chess will make its debut with a prize pool of $1.5 million. Leading Indian esports organization S8UL is set to represent India in competitive chess at the Esports World Cup with its powerhouse roster of Grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram, marking the first-ever representation of an Indian esports team in competitive chess on a global stage.

-Team Sportstar

ATHLETICS

Kangana Ranaut named brand ambassador of World Para Athletics Championships

Actor-cum-politician Kangana Ranaut was on Wednesday named brand ambassador of the World Para Athletics Championships to be held in New Delhi between September 26 and October 5.

The 39-year-old Ranaut, who garnered acclaim for her performances in films like Fashion and Queen, represents Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi constituency in the current Lok Sabha.

“India’s para athletes are rewriting what is possible every single day. I am deeply honoured to support them and help raise awareness about their incredible achievements. Para sport is not just about competition—it is about courage, and I am proud to stand behind our champions,” Ranaut said in a press release issued by the Paralympic Committee of India.

PCI president and BJP leader Devendra Jhajharia, who is also a two-time Paralympic gold medal-winning javelin thrower, added: “Her passion, influence, and commitment to India’s athletes make her a perfect ambassador for the New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships.”

The marquee event will feature athletes from more than 100 countries.

-PTI