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Arjan Singh Memorial Hockey Tournament 2025
Why in News?
The Indian Air Force conducted the 6th edition of the Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh Memorial Hockey Tournament from 29 April to 06 May 2025 at the Raghbir Singh Bhola Hockey Stadium, Chandigarh.
Key Points
- Details of the Tournament:
- Twelve teams, including Air Force Hockey Teams and teams from two foreign countries, participated in the tournament.
- The tournament commemorates Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross), a legendary figure in IAF history.
- Arjan Singh’s unmatched passion for hockey and inspirational leadership in both military and sports spheres continues to motivate air warriors.
- Final Match:
- The final match featured a contest between Indian Railways and Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala.
- Indian Railways won the match by scoring 3–1 in the tie-breaker after a 2-goal draw.
- Awards and Felicitations:
- Medals, trophies, and cash awards were presented during a befitting award ceremony.
- Winners received Rs 3,00,000/-
- Runners-up received Rs 2,00,000/-
- Prominent international hockey players were also felicitated for their contributions.
- Medals, trophies, and cash awards were presented during a befitting award ceremony.
Air Force Marshal Arjan Singh
- He was born in 1919 in Lyallpur (now in Pakistan), was commissioned into the Royal Indian Air Force in 1939 and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for his role in the Burma Campaign during World War II.
- He became Chief of Air Staff in 1964 at the age of 44.
- During the 1965 Indo-Pak war, his decisive leadership enabled the IAF to repel Pakistan’s offensive in Akhnoor within hours, earning him the Padma Vibhushan.
- In 2002, he became the only IAF officer to be conferred the Five-Star rank of Marshal of the Air Force.
- Post-retirement, he served as ambassador and Lt Governor of Delhi.
Indian Air Force
- Background:
- The Indian Air Force was established in 1932 during World War II to support the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom in its war against Japan.
- To stop the Japanese army's progress into India, the IAF was utilised to target Japanese bases in Burma.
- In 1945, King George VI bestowed the prefix "Royal" in recognition of the IAF's accomplishments. After India became a republic in 1950, this honorary title was abolished.
- After the independence of the nation, it evolved into the Indian Air Force in 1950.
- The Indian Air Force was established in 1932 during World War II to support the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom in its war against Japan.
- About:
- President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces,
- The fourth-largest air force in the world is the Indian Air Force.
- Headquarters: New Delhi
- Motto of India Air Force: Touch the sky with Glory.
- It was taken from the eleventh chapter of the Bhagavad Gita.
- The Chief of Air Staff, an air chief marshal is responsible for the operational command of the air force.