SNBP All India Champions Roundglass Hockey Academy Have Become the Team to Beat!

Roundglass Hockey Academy junior boys team (under-16) are on cloud nine after recently annexing the 8th SNBP All India Hockey Tournament Under-16 Boys at Pune. The Mohali-based academy lads exuded a consistent brand of hockey carving out a 4-1 victory against the Army Boys Sports Company, Bengaluru. It was a sweet revenge of sorts for the Roundglass Hockey Academy, who had lost to the Army Boys Sports Company in the semifinals last year and had to settle for the third spot. “My boys really rose to the occasion. We lost to the Army Boys Sports Company in 2023 and I’m glad to see our team beat them this around and win the tournament. Full credit to the boys,” says Roundglass Hockey Academy coach Bittu Sabharwal in a chat with Hockey Passion.

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Roundglass Hockey Academy did not have to break much sweat in the semifinal as they thumped Dhyan Chand Academy 5-1 – they annihilated Don Bosco School 11-0 in the quarterfinal. At the pool phase, the Punjab lads brushed aside Naval Tata Hockey Academy 4-1 and whipped Regional Development Center 7-1.

The Roundglass Hockey Academy coach feels the ability to play as a unit worked well for his boys. “I don’t think the tournament was less competitive – it is just that we were better prepared than the other teams. We follow a systematic approach training plan at our academy and results are there for all to see,” says Sabharwal, who has played domestic hockey for a lengthy period of time for Indian Navy between 2000-2014 as a fullback.

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Sabharwal singled out some of his players for praise. “We have a team overflowing with talent. The likes of Varinder Singh, Arshdip Singh, Arjandeep Singh, Amandeep Singh, Jasmeet Singh, Abhay and Harshjot Singh are bright prospects among others. Our talent depth is quite deep and it is reflected in our domestic performances,” he says.

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The latest win at Pune comes close on the heels of Roundglass Hockey Academy winning the 2nd Hockey India Junior Men Academy Championship at New Delhi, where they made short work of Naval Tata Hockey Academy 8-3 in the final.