Indian Air Force Clinches 7th Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh Memorial Hockey Tournament 2026
By Suman Munshi, IBG NEWS Desk
Bengaluru, July 3, 2026: The Indian Air Force (IAF) emerged champions of the 7th Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh Memorial Hockey Tournament 2026, defeating the Indian Navy by 2-1 in an exciting final held at the Amit Singh Bakshi Hockey Stadium, Air Force Station Jalahalli, Bengaluru.
The prestigious tournament, organised by the Indian Air Force from June 23 to July 3, paid tribute to the legendary Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh, DFC, the first and only officer of the Indian Air Force to attain the coveted Five-Star rank. Remembered not only for his exemplary military leadership but also for his deep passion for hockey, Arjan Singh continues to inspire generations of air warriors both on and off the field.
The tournament was inaugurated by Air Marshal S. Sivakumar, VSM, Air Officer-in-Charge Administration (AOA), with 16 teams competing for top honours during the eleven-day championship.
The closing ceremony was held on July 3 in the presence of Air Marshal Seethepalli Shrinivas, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, who attended as the Chief Guest. Air Marshal P.C.P. Anand, VSM, Director General (Administration), also graced the occasion.
In a closely contested final, the Indian Air Force displayed remarkable teamwork and determination to overcome the Indian Navy and lift the championship trophy.
Individual excellence was also recognised during the tournament:
- Sgt Anand Lakra was adjudged Man of the Match.
- Agniveer Agyapal was named Player of the Tournament for his outstanding performances throughout the competition.
The champion Indian Air Force team received the winner’s trophy along with a cash prize of ₹10 lakh, while the Indian Navy, finishing as runners-up, was awarded ₹8 lakh.
A special highlight of the closing ceremony was the felicitation of celebrated Indian hockey goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh, along with several distinguished hockey veterans, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Indian hockey.
The annual tournament has evolved into one of the Indian Armed Forces’ premier sporting events, promoting excellence in hockey while honouring the extraordinary legacy of Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh, whose commitment to leadership, discipline and sportsmanship continues to inspire the nation’s defence personnel.
The successful conclusion of the 7th Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh Memorial Hockey Tournament reaffirmed the Indian Air Force’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent and strengthening camaraderie among the Armed Forces through competitive sports.
