India’s disappointing Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign has prompted a blunt assessment from former goalkeeper PR Sreejesh. Following the men’s team’s 3-5 defeat to Argentina in Amstelveen, Sreejesh called for greater accountability and questioned the tendency to describe major tournament failures as part of a learning process.

Sreejesh, a two-time Olympic bronze medallist, said global tournaments cannot be treated as preparation for something that comes later. He urged those responsible to ask difficult questions about India’s performance rather than repeatedly looking towards future competitions.

“Stop hiding behind ‘learning’, ‘good hockey’ and future tournaments,” Sreejesh said, according to the Press Trust of India report.

The defeat against Argentina ended India’s already slim hopes of reaching the men’s Hockey World Cup semi-finals. The team conceded five goals in the match and could not recover despite scoring three of their own.

Sreejesh Raises the Accountability Question

Sreejesh’s criticism comes from someone who knows the pressure of playing for India at major international tournaments. He was part of the Indian teams that won bronze at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics, making him one of the most decorated players of his generation.

After India’s World Cup exit, he said the focus should now turn towards understanding what went wrong rather than simply moving on to the next tournament.

The former goalkeeper described the questions that need to be asked as “difficult” and “uncomfortable”. His central concern was whether Indian hockey is taking enough responsibility for underwhelming performances on the biggest stage.

The comments come at a time when expectations around Indian hockey remain high. India have invested heavily in the sport over the past decade, while the national teams have also enjoyed notable success at the Olympics and Asian competitions.

India’s World Cup Campaign

The men’s team entered the World Cup with hopes of making a deep run, but their campaign eventually ended before the semi-final stage.

The 3-5 defeat to Argentina proved decisive. With the result, India were eliminated from contention despite having only wafer-thin hopes of progressing before the match.

Sreejesh’s comments also arrive in the aftermath of the women’s team missing out on the semi-finals. The Indian women were held to a 0-0 draw by Australia in a must-win encounter on Saturday, ending their hopes of reaching the last four.

The simultaneous struggles of both Indian teams have consequently intensified scrutiny over the country's performance at the tournament.

What Happens Next for Indian Hockey?

Sreejesh’s remarks put the spotlight on what Indian hockey needs to address after the World Cup rather than treating the tournament as an isolated setback.

The immediate priority will be to assess the performances, identify the reasons behind the disappointing results and determine what changes, if any, are required before the next major international assignment.

For Sreejesh, however, the message is clear: future tournaments cannot be used as an excuse to avoid examining present shortcomings. His call for accountability ensures that India’s World Cup exit is likely to remain a subject of debate even after the tournament moves towards its decisive stages.

Tokyo Olympian tested positive for prohibited substance Methandienone; heptathlete Swapna Barman and sprinter MV Jilna also face anti-doping action

Shivpal receives 10-year ban

Indian javelin thrower and Tokyo Olympian Shivpal Singh has been handed a 10-year ban by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) after being found guilty of a second doping offence.

NADA's Disciplinary Panel imposed the punishment after Shivpal tested positive for Methandienone, a prohibited anabolic steroid.

The 31-year-old athlete's latest suspension could bring his competitive career to an end. Shivpal has represented India at the Olympics and won a silver medal at the 2019 Asian Championships. His personal best throw stands at 86.23 metres.

Second doping case

The latest action comes after Shivpal had already served a ban for a previous doping violation.

His sample tested positive for a prohibited steroid during an out-of-competition test conducted in 2021. NADA's Disciplinary Panel found him guilty in August 2022 and initially imposed a four-year suspension.

Shivpal appealed against the decision, arguing that a supplement he had consumed contained the banned substance without his knowledge.

In January 2023, NADA's appeal panel accepted his plea and reduced the original four-year ban to one year.

He returned to competition in April 2023 after serving the reduced suspension.

Successful comeback in 2023

Following his return, Shivpal managed to revive his athletics career.

He won a bronze medal at the National Inter-State Championship in Bhubaneswar in June 2023. Later that year, he claimed the gold medal in the javelin throw at the National Games in Goa.

His performances after returning from the earlier suspension had allowed him to continue competing at the national level.

However, the latest positive test and the resulting 10-year ban have now put his future in the sport in serious doubt.

Tokyo Olympian and Asian medallist

Shivpal has been one of India's prominent javelin throwers in the generation that preceded the country's emergence as a major force in the event.

He won silver at the 2019 Asian Championships with a throw of 86.23 metres, which remains his personal best.

He also represented India at the Tokyo Olympics, adding an Olympic appearance to his international record.

The 10-year punishment is significantly longer than his previous suspension because the latest offence has been treated as a second anti-doping violation.

MV Jilna provisionally suspended

Shivpal was not the only Indian athlete facing NADA action.

Sprinter MV Jilna has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for Mephentermine, another prohibited substance.

The provisional suspension means the case remains subject to the applicable anti-doping proceedings and final determination.

Swapna Barman also suspended

Former Asian Games champion Swapna Barman has also been suspended by NADA following a positive doping test.

The heptathlete tested positive for Boldenone, a prohibited anabolic agent.

Barman won the gold medal in the heptathlon at the 2018 Asian Games and has been one of India's best-known athletes in the multi-event discipline.

Her suspension adds another high-profile name to the list of Indian athletes facing anti-doping proceedings.

Anti-doping scrutiny intensifies

The cases involving Shivpal, Jilna and Barman highlight the continued scrutiny Indian athletes face under the country's anti-doping framework.

For Shivpal, the 10-year ban represents a particularly serious setback because it follows an earlier doping conviction and comes when he is 31.

Unless the decision is successfully challenged through the available appeal process, the lengthy suspension is likely to prevent him from competing for most of the remainder of his professional career.

The latest action also underlines the consequences of repeat anti-doping violations, with NADA imposing a substantially longer penalty in Shivpal's second case.

Viktor Axelsen Retires from Badminton at 32 Due to Persistent Back Injury

Two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen hangs up his racket after a glittering career marred by recurring back problems in recent years.

Back Issues Force Early Exit

Danish shuttler Viktor Axelsen announced his retirement from professional badminton on Wednesday, bringing an end to a 16-year career that saw him dominate the men's singles circuit. The 32-year-old cited prolonged battles with back injuries as the primary reason for stepping away from the sport.

Axelsen shared the news through a social media post, where he reflected on his achievements while acknowledging the physical toll the game had taken. Sources close to the player indicated that doctors advised him to prioritise full recovery over continued competition.

Dominant Run Across Majors

Axelsen leaves behind an impressive legacy. He claimed back-to-back Olympic gold medals in men's singles, winning in Tokyo 2020 and successfully defending the title in Paris 2024. He also secured two World Championship titles in 2017 and 2022, becoming one of the few non-Asian players to achieve that feat.

The Dane held the world number one ranking for an extended period and lifted the European Championships title multiple times. He contributed significantly to Denmark's Thomas Cup triumphs as well. His powerful smashes and tactical acumen made him a formidable opponent for top shuttlers from Asia and beyond.

Injury Struggles in Final Years

For the past two years, Axelsen had been grappling with recurring back issues. He underwent surgery in April last year but suffered a setback in October. Despite attempts at rehabilitation, he could not regain the fitness levels needed for elite competition.

In a statement to Badminton Europe, Axelsen explained the situation clearly. “As most people know, I have been struggling with my back for quite some time. After I had surgery in April last year and went through a long rehabilitation process, I unfortunately had a setback in October. Since those tournaments, I have not been able to play or train at the level required… that is why I am unfortunately forced to make this extremely difficult decision.”

He added that while the choice felt unfair at times, he viewed his body’s efforts over the years with gratitude.

Tributes Pour In from Peers

Indian shuttler HS Prannoy, who has faced Axelsen on several occasions, was among the first to offer congratulations. “Happy retirement boss, wish you all the best,” Prannoy wrote on social media, extending warm wishes to his former rival.

Players and officials across the badminton world are expected to share similar sentiments in the coming hours, recognising Axelsen’s contribution to elevating the sport’s global profile.

Impact on Badminton Landscape

Axelsen’s retirement marks the end of an era for European badminton. His consistent success challenged the traditional Asian dominance in men’s singles and inspired a new generation of players from the continent.

In India, where badminton enjoys massive popularity following the successes of stars like PV Sindhu and the current crop of young talents, Axelsen was respected as a benchmark of excellence. His matches against Indian players often drew significant attention from fans.

The timing of his exit comes as the international circuit prepares for the next cycle of major events. His absence will create opportunities for emerging talents while leaving a void in the top ranks that will be hard to fill immediately.

What Lies Ahead for Axelsen

Axelsen mentioned that he looks back at his career with joy, highlighting the privilege of competing at the highest level and connecting with people from around the world. He is expected to focus on complete recovery in the coming months.

Whether he stays connected to badminton through coaching, mentoring, or other roles remains to be seen. For now, the focus remains on his health and the next chapter beyond professional competition.

A Career Etched in Gold

Viktor Axelsen’s journey from a promising junior to a two-time Olympic champion and world title winner stands as a testament to talent, resilience, and dedication. Though injuries cut short his final years on court, his achievements will continue to inspire shuttlers globally, including in India’s thriving badminton ecosystem.

As the sport moves forward, fans and players alike will remember the Dane for the grace with which he played and the dignity with which he has now chosen to step away.