Roundglass Hockey Academy eyes Kenya debut at Sikh Union centenary tournament, May 1-9
Synopsis
Roundglass Hockey Academy embarks on a significant international tour to Nairobi for the Sikh Union Club's centenary celebration, competing against five opponents over nine days. The tour underscores the academy's emergence as a talent pipeline and the Sikh Union Club's century-long influence on East African hockey development.
Key Takeaways
Roundglass Hockey Academy travels to Nairobi, Kenya from May 1 to 9 for the Sikh Union Club Centenary Celebrations Hockey Tournament 2026 .
The Sikh Union Club marks its 100th anniversary , celebrating a legacy of Olympic-level hockey development in East Africa .
RGHA faces five opponents : Select U23 , Satellites , Niger Flickers , Sikh Union Nairobi , and London Sikh Union .
A 17-member squad has been selected, featuring goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards from the academy's domestic circuit.
The tour provides critical international exposure and competitive testing for emerging Indian hockey talent.
Roundglass Hockey Academy (RGHA) will travel to Nairobi, Kenya from May 1 to 9 to compete in the Sikh Union Club Nairobi Centenary Celebrations Hockey Tournament 2026, marking the club's 100th anniversary. The Sikh Union Club, a foundational institution in East African hockey, has produced a legacy of Olympians for the Kenyan national team over its century-long history.
Tournament significance and backdrop
The centenary event underscores the Sikh Union Club's pivotal role in developing hockey across East Africa. The tournament will feature a competitive lineup of domestic and international teams, offering RGHA athletes exposure to diverse playing styles and international competition. This tour comes on the heels of multiple national camp call-ups for the academy's roster, signalling strong domestic form.
RGHA's match schedule
Roundglass Hockey Academy will begin their campaign against Select U23 on May 1, followed by fixtures against Satellites (May 2), Niger Flickers (May 4), Sikh Union Nairobi (May 6), and London Sikh Union (May 7). The group-stage format will test the squad's tactical adaptability and resilience in a high-intensity environment.
Squad composition and player strength
RGHA has fielded a balanced 17-member contingent: Goalkeepers Jashandeep Singh and Arshdeep Singh; Defenders Prince Singh, Amandeep Singh, and Dilavarpreet Singh; Midfielders Sunny Singh, Damanpreet Singh, Varinder Singh, Arshpreet Singh, Damandeep Singh, and Om Rajnes; Forwards Gurwinder Singh, Sukhmanpreet Singh, Sukhpreet Singh, Jarman Singh, Razzaq Ali, Jobanpreet Singh, and Anurag Singh.
International exposure and development pathway
Tours of this calibre serve as a critical development stage for emerging Indian hockey talent. Competing against established international clubs strengthens technical proficiency and mental fortitude ahead of domestic and national selection cycles. RGHA's participation reflects the academy's commitment to nurturing world-class athletes through competitive international engagement.
Point of View
The real measure will be whether such tours translate into national team selection and sustained performance — not just tournament appearances. East African hockey, while historically significant, has faded from global prominence; the academy's presence there is more about exposure than competitive prestige.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sikh Union Club Nairobi Centenary Celebrations Hockey Tournament 2026?
It is a prestigious hockey tournament scheduled for May 1-9, 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya, marking the Sikh Union Club's 100th anniversary. The club is a historic institution that has shaped East African hockey and produced Olympians for the Kenyan national team.
When does Roundglass Hockey Academy begin its tournament campaign?
RGHA kicks off its campaign on May 1, 2026, against Select U23. The squad will play five matches over nine days, concluding with a fixture against London Sikh Union on May 7.
How many players has RGHA selected for the Kenya tour?
RGHA has fielded a 17-member squad comprising two goalkeepers, three defenders, six midfielders, and six forwards, all selected following strong domestic performances and national camp call-ups.
Why is this tournament significant for Indian hockey development?
International tours at the academy level provide emerging talent with exposure to diverse playing styles, competitive testing, and a pathway to national team selection. The Sikh Union Club's centenary offers RGHA a rare opportunity to compete on a global stage before senior-level selection cycles.
Which teams will RGHA face in the tournament?
RGHA will face Select U23, Satellites, Niger Flickers, Sikh Union Nairobi, and London Sikh Union across five group-stage matches from May 1 to May 7.
