Hockey Madhya Pradesh has emerged as a significant talent hub for Indian hockey, achieving 29 medals across various categories at the Hockey India National Championships over the past 16 years.
The state’s strength at the grassroots level was demonstrated recently as both the men’s and women’s teams won Silver medals at the 16th Hockey India Sub Junior National Championship 2026, emphasising the depth of its development pathway.
Over this period, Madhya Pradesh’s structured grassroots and academy-led development system has consistently delivered success. The state has won 23 medals in women’s competitions and six in men’s events, reflecting the continuity and depth of its programme.
The women’s teams have shown particular strength, with the Junior Women winning six medals (three Gold, three Silver) and the Sub Junior Women securing 10 medals (three Gold, five Silver, two Bronze). At the senior level, the Senior Women have earned seven medals (two Gold, two Silver, three Bronze), including championship titles in 2021 and 2023, highlighting sustained talent development.
On the men’s side, Madhya Pradesh has collected six medals (two Gold, three Silver, one Bronze). The Junior Men have won two medals (one Gold, one Bronze), the Sub Junior Men have achieved three medals (one Gold, two Silver), and the Senior Men won a Silver medal in 2025.
The consistent performance across age-group competitions has supported strong player progression through the ranks. This system’s impact is seen at the international level with players such as Vivek Sagar Prasad and Nilakanta Sharma in the men’s teams, and Sushila Chanu and Ishika Chaudhary in the women’s teams, all of whom trained within the Madhya Pradesh academy system.
The academy’s depth is further highlighted by players like Preeti, a long-term product, and Jyoti Singh, who remains part of the academy. Veteran coach Paramjeet Singh has played a vital role in developing the Madhya Pradesh Women’s Hockey Academy into a leading talent centre. He helped nurture multiple athletes who represented India at the Rio 2016 Olympics, which marked the end of a 36-year Olympic absence for Indian hockey, and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Government of Madhya Pradesh in 2016.
Paramjeet Singh commented on the academy’s journey: “We are deeply grateful to Yashodhara Raje Scindia Ji for her vision and sustained efforts in establishing and strengthening the Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy. Since 2006, the Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy has focused on building a structured and inclusive development system that continues to evolve.”
He added, “While earlier there was a reliance on players from outside regions, our emphasis has been on identifying and nurturing talent from within the state. What sets MPHA apart is that even children without prior exposure to hockey are given an opportunity to train and grow within a professional setup. We have ensured access to world-class facilities, quality equipment, scientific training methods, and proper nutrition.”
Hockey Madhya Pradesh Secretary Lok Bahadur also reflected on the academy’s progress: “Hockey Madhya Pradesh’s growth is a result of a truly collective effort across the state. With our operations led from Jabalpur, we have built a system that works closely with districts across Madhya Pradesh, where talent is first identified and nurtured before progressing into our academies in Bhopal and Gwalior.”