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2027 NCAA Title Odds: Michigan, Duke Lead Early Betting Favorites | Deadspin.com  Apr 6, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) cuts down the net after defeating the UConn Huskies in the national championship of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images   Michigan captured the school’s first NCAA Tournament championship since 1989 on Monday, defeating UConn behind a starting lineup of all transfers.Anticipating the roster turnover that lay ahead, a Michigan man, woman or child might have grown melancholy during “One Shining Moment.”Maybe they should talk with an oddsmaker. The ones at FanDuel aren’t fazed, recently installing the Wolverines (+700) as favorites to win the 2027 title, just ahead of perennial contender Duke (+750).Whether Michigan repeats at Ford Field in Detroit — with rival Michigan State hosting the Final Four, no less — is a long way from being decided. The uncertainty of the transfer portal and NBA Draft only boosts the conjecture.Here’s offering insight into the futures landscape, anyway. May one of these much-too-early analyses have a bright side.MICHIGAN (+700)It’s possible that each cog of the Wolverines’ vaunted, three-headed frontcourt could get plucked in the first round of the draft.Of course, Michigan knew that point guard Elliot Cadeau and shooting guard Trey McKenney would be back next season before the program was Indianapolis-bound.While replacing Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr., and Aday Mara doesn’t figure to be easy — coach Dusty May’s portal prowess notwithstanding — Michigan might well be heavily guard-oriented come the fall.Cadeau and McKenney shined in March and April and should boast an able running mate in Brandon McCoy, a five-star guard from Bellflower (Calif.) who committed on Saturday. Tennessee big man J.P. Estrella, a portal pickup Thursday, offers lots to like with the rebuild down low. Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+ DUKE (+750)Naturally, this smacks of a reputation pick, even though the Blue Devils’ March moxie is crumbling.Last month’s Elite Eight collapse against UConn followed a similar spitting of the bit in a national semifinal loss to Houston in 2025. With some draftniks projecting the trio of Cameron Boozer, Isaiah Evans and Patrick Ngongba as first-round selections, the usual cycle of blue-chip recruits will have an opportunity to excel.Incoming 6-foot-11 power forward Cameron Williams averaged 24.6 points and 12 rebounds as a high school senior in Phoenix. Can consecutive Blue Devils named “Cameron” earn the Naismith Award? More importantly for this space, can Duke build the stuff to close big leads, then channel that poise in the tournament?  Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+ MICHIGAN STATE (+1500)The Big Ten boasts the reigning NCAA men’s and women’s national champions. Extending that stronghold doesn’t seem farfetched.Not with Michigan State in position to return many key players from a 27-win Elite Eight team, led by guard Jeremiah Fears Jr.Throw in highly touted backcourt recruit Jasiah Jervis and the expected progression of other Spartans and this looks like a promising line to take a flier on. It could play even better if Michigan State lands a coveted big man in the portal. Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+   #NCAA #Title #Odds #Michigan #Duke #Lead #Early #Betting #Favorites #Deadspin.com

2027 NCAA Title Odds: Michigan, Duke Lead Early Betting Favorites | Deadspin.com
2027 NCAA Title Odds: Michigan, Duke Lead Early Betting Favorites | Deadspin.com  Apr 6, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) cuts down the net after defeating the UConn Huskies in the national championship of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images   Michigan captured the school’s first NCAA Tournament championship since 1989 on Monday, defeating UConn behind a starting lineup of all transfers.Anticipating the roster turnover that lay ahead, a Michigan man, woman or child might have grown melancholy during “One Shining Moment.”Maybe they should talk with an oddsmaker. The ones at FanDuel aren’t fazed, recently installing the Wolverines (+700) as favorites to win the 2027 title, just ahead of perennial contender Duke (+750).Whether Michigan repeats at Ford Field in Detroit — with rival Michigan State hosting the Final Four, no less — is a long way from being decided. The uncertainty of the transfer portal and NBA Draft only boosts the conjecture.Here’s offering insight into the futures landscape, anyway. May one of these much-too-early analyses have a bright side.MICHIGAN (+700)It’s possible that each cog of the Wolverines’ vaunted, three-headed frontcourt could get plucked in the first round of the draft.Of course, Michigan knew that point guard Elliot Cadeau and shooting guard Trey McKenney would be back next season before the program was Indianapolis-bound.While replacing Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr., and Aday Mara doesn’t figure to be easy — coach Dusty May’s portal prowess notwithstanding — Michigan might well be heavily guard-oriented come the fall.Cadeau and McKenney shined in March and April and should boast an able running mate in Brandon McCoy, a five-star guard from Bellflower (Calif.) who committed on Saturday. Tennessee big man J.P. Estrella, a portal pickup Thursday, offers lots to like with the rebuild down low. Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+ DUKE (+750)Naturally, this smacks of a reputation pick, even though the Blue Devils’ March moxie is crumbling.Last month’s Elite Eight collapse against UConn followed a similar spitting of the bit in a national semifinal loss to Houston in 2025. With some draftniks projecting the trio of Cameron Boozer, Isaiah Evans and Patrick Ngongba as first-round selections, the usual cycle of blue-chip recruits will have an opportunity to excel.Incoming 6-foot-11 power forward Cameron Williams averaged 24.6 points and 12 rebounds as a high school senior in Phoenix. Can consecutive Blue Devils named “Cameron” earn the Naismith Award? More importantly for this space, can Duke build the stuff to close big leads, then channel that poise in the tournament?  Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+ MICHIGAN STATE (+1500)The Big Ten boasts the reigning NCAA men’s and women’s national champions. Extending that stronghold doesn’t seem farfetched.Not with Michigan State in position to return many key players from a 27-win Elite Eight team, led by guard Jeremiah Fears Jr.Throw in highly touted backcourt recruit Jasiah Jervis and the expected progression of other Spartans and this looks like a promising line to take a flier on. It could play even better if Michigan State lands a coveted big man in the portal. Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+   #NCAA #Title #Odds #Michigan #Duke #Lead #Early #Betting #Favorites #Deadspin.comApr 6, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) cuts down the net after defeating the UConn Huskies in the national championship of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Michigan captured the school’s first NCAA Tournament championship since 1989 on Monday, defeating UConn behind a starting lineup of all transfers.

Anticipating the roster turnover that lay ahead, a Michigan man, woman or child might have grown melancholy during “One Shining Moment.”

Maybe they should talk with an oddsmaker. The ones at FanDuel aren’t fazed, recently installing the Wolverines (+700) as favorites to win the 2027 title, just ahead of perennial contender Duke (+750).

Whether Michigan repeats at Ford Field in Detroit — with rival Michigan State hosting the Final Four, no less — is a long way from being decided. The uncertainty of the transfer portal and NBA Draft only boosts the conjecture.

Here’s offering insight into the futures landscape, anyway. May one of these much-too-early analyses have a bright side.

MICHIGAN (+700)

It’s possible that each cog of the Wolverines’ vaunted, three-headed frontcourt could get plucked in the first round of the draft.

Of course, Michigan knew that point guard Elliot Cadeau and shooting guard Trey McKenney would be back next season before the program was Indianapolis-bound.

While replacing Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr., and Aday Mara doesn’t figure to be easy — coach Dusty May’s portal prowess notwithstanding — Michigan might well be heavily guard-oriented come the fall.

Cadeau and McKenney shined in March and April and should boast an able running mate in Brandon McCoy, a five-star guard from Bellflower (Calif.) who committed on Saturday. Tennessee big man J.P. Estrella, a portal pickup Thursday, offers lots to like with the rebuild down low.

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DUKE (+750)

Naturally, this smacks of a reputation pick, even though the Blue Devils’ March moxie is crumbling.

Last month’s Elite Eight collapse against UConn followed a similar spitting of the bit in a national semifinal loss to Houston in 2025. With some draftniks projecting the trio of Cameron Boozer, Isaiah Evans and Patrick Ngongba as first-round selections, the usual cycle of blue-chip recruits will have an opportunity to excel.

Incoming 6-foot-11 power forward Cameron Williams averaged 24.6 points and 12 rebounds as a high school senior in Phoenix. Can consecutive Blue Devils named “Cameron” earn the Naismith Award? More importantly for this space, can Duke build the stuff to close big leads, then channel that poise in the tournament?

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MICHIGAN STATE (+1500)

The Big Ten boasts the reigning NCAA men’s and women’s national champions. Extending that stronghold doesn’t seem farfetched.

Not with Michigan State in position to return many key players from a 27-win Elite Eight team, led by guard Jeremiah Fears Jr.

Throw in highly touted backcourt recruit Jasiah Jervis and the expected progression of other Spartans and this looks like a promising line to take a flier on. It could play even better if Michigan State lands a coveted big man in the portal.

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#NCAA #Title #Odds #Michigan #Duke #Lead #Early #Betting #Favorites #Deadspin.com

Apr 6, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) cuts down the net after defeating the UConn Huskies in the national championship of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Michigan captured the school’s first NCAA Tournament championship since 1989 on Monday, defeating UConn behind a starting lineup of all transfers.

Anticipating the roster turnover that lay ahead, a Michigan man, woman or child might have grown melancholy during “One Shining Moment.”

Maybe they should talk with an oddsmaker. The ones at FanDuel aren’t fazed, recently installing the Wolverines (+700) as favorites to win the 2027 title, just ahead of perennial contender Duke (+750).

Whether Michigan repeats at Ford Field in Detroit — with rival Michigan State hosting the Final Four, no less — is a long way from being decided. The uncertainty of the transfer portal and NBA Draft only boosts the conjecture.

Here’s offering insight into the futures landscape, anyway. May one of these much-too-early analyses have a bright side.

MICHIGAN (+700)

It’s possible that each cog of the Wolverines’ vaunted, three-headed frontcourt could get plucked in the first round of the draft.

Of course, Michigan knew that point guard Elliot Cadeau and shooting guard Trey McKenney would be back next season before the program was Indianapolis-bound.

While replacing Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr., and Aday Mara doesn’t figure to be easy — coach Dusty May’s portal prowess notwithstanding — Michigan might well be heavily guard-oriented come the fall.

Cadeau and McKenney shined in March and April and should boast an able running mate in Brandon McCoy, a five-star guard from Bellflower (Calif.) who committed on Saturday. Tennessee big man J.P. Estrella, a portal pickup Thursday, offers lots to like with the rebuild down low.

Our Current Best Offers

1

Underdog
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DUKE (+750)

Naturally, this smacks of a reputation pick, even though the Blue Devils’ March moxie is crumbling.

Last month’s Elite Eight collapse against UConn followed a similar spitting of the bit in a national semifinal loss to Houston in 2025. With some draftniks projecting the trio of Cameron Boozer, Isaiah Evans and Patrick Ngongba as first-round selections, the usual cycle of blue-chip recruits will have an opportunity to excel.

Incoming 6-foot-11 power forward Cameron Williams averaged 24.6 points and 12 rebounds as a high school senior in Phoenix. Can consecutive Blue Devils named “Cameron” earn the Naismith Award? More importantly for this space, can Duke build the stuff to close big leads, then channel that poise in the tournament?

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1

Underdog
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MICHIGAN STATE (+1500)

The Big Ten boasts the reigning NCAA men’s and women’s national champions. Extending that stronghold doesn’t seem farfetched.

Not with Michigan State in position to return many key players from a 27-win Elite Eight team, led by guard Jeremiah Fears Jr.

Throw in highly touted backcourt recruit Jasiah Jervis and the expected progression of other Spartans and this looks like a promising line to take a flier on. It could play even better if Michigan State lands a coveted big man in the portal.

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#NCAA #Title #Odds #Michigan #Duke #Lead #Early #Betting #Favorites #Deadspin.com

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Monte Carlo Masters 2026: Alcaraz beats Vacherot to set up final against Sinner <div id="content-body-70851229" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Carlos Alcaraz lined up a blockbuster Monte Carlo Masters final with chief rival Jannik Sinner after the Spaniard ended the run of local boy Valentin Vacherot in the last four on Saturday.</p><p>Alcaraz saw off Vacherot 6-4, 6-4 to stay on track to defend his title and set up a Sunday showdown with Sinner for the world number one ranking.</p><p>It will be the first meeting this season between the world’s top two players and will decide who will be world No.1 come Monday when the new ATP rankings are released.</p><p>“I think it’s the dream spot for everyone, I would say. I’m fighting for a second Monte Carlo title; he’s fighting for his first one. It’s going to be a really special one. The No.1 is on the line, which will make tomorrow even more special,” said Alcaraz of Sunday’s final.</p><p>The 22-year-old Alcaraz is trying to keep hold of top spot and holds a 10-6 lead over Sinner in the head-to-head series.</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/tennis/india-out-of-billie-jean-king-cup-world-playoffs-race-score-result-south-korea-tennis/article70850905.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">India out of Billie Jean King Cup World Playoffs race</a></b></p><p>Alcaraz broke Vacherot three times to wrap up victory in 84 minutes and is bidding for his third title of the season after winning the Australian Open and in Doha.</p><p>“I’m just happy to win this really difficult match against Valentin. He’s playing great tennis with a lot of confidence right now, playing in his hometown. It was really tough to get the win, but I’m really excited about my first meeting with Jannik in 2026,” said Alcaraz..</p><h4 class="sub_head">Sinner dispatches Zverev</h4><div class=" article-picture center"><img src="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/ueu1s/article70851855.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/2026-04-11T130959Z_1337327113_UP1EM4B10KL8Z_RTRMADP_3_TENNIS-MONTECARLO.JPG" data-original="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/ueu1s/article70851855.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/2026-04-11T130959Z_1337327113_UP1EM4B10KL8Z_RTRMADP_3_TENNIS-MONTECARLO.JPG" alt="Sinner became the first player to reach all three finals of the season’s first three Masters 1000 events since Novak Djokovic in 2015." title="Sinner became the first player to reach all three finals of the season’s first three Masters 1000 events since Novak Djokovic in 2015." class=" lazy" width="100%" height="100%"/><div class="pic-caption"><figcaption class="figure-caption align-text-bottom"><p> Sinner became the first player to reach all three finals of the season’s first three Masters 1000 events since Novak Djokovic in 2015. | Photo Credit: REUTERS </p><img class="caption-image" src="https://assetsss.thehindu.com/theme/images/SSRX/lightbox-info.svg" alt="lightbox-info"/></figcaption></div><p class="caption"> Sinner became the first player to reach all three finals of the season’s first three Masters 1000 events since Novak Djokovic in 2015. | Photo Credit: REUTERS </p></div><p>Sinner eased his way into the Monte Carlo final for the first time with a clinical 6-1, 6-4 semifinal win over Alexander Zverev earlier on Saturday.</p><p>The 24-year-old Italian becomes the first player to reach all three finals of the season’s first three Masters 1000 events since Novak Djokovic in 2015.</p><p>Roger Federer, in 2006, and Rafael Nadal, 2011, are the only two other players to achieve the feat.</p><p>“I’m very happy. We came here trying to give myself some feedback (on clay) and now finding myself in the final means a lot to me,” said Sinner.</p><p>Sinner said he had felt in top form right from the outset of the match against his German opponent, ranked third in the world.</p><p>“Obviously, every match, every day is different, so I’m very happy about today’s performance. I felt really solid from the beginning. When you are a break up straight away, it changes the dynamic of the match, so very happy and let’s see what’s coming in the final,” Sinner said.</p><p>As in Indian Wells and Miami, Sinner, 24, had the measure of Zverev, who has not prevailed in their meetings since the round of 16 at the US Open in September 2023.</p><p>Extremely aggressive from the start, Sinner blew the German away in the opening set, breaking him three times and wrapping it up in 34 minutes.</p><p>In the second set, Zverev put up more resistance, finding his first serve again, but he still had to battle every time to hold.</p><p>He finally folded after 82 minutes on another blistering forehand from Sinner, who has lost only one set in his last 21 matches at Masters 1000 events.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 11, 2026</p></div> #Monte #Carlo #Masters #Alcaraz #beats #Vacherot #set #final #Sinner

#Wyndham #Clark #twotime #major #champion #dont #mad">Wyndham Clark is a two-time major champion, and you don’t have to be mad about it  Wyndham Clark won the U.S. Open on Sunday. He did so at Shinnecock Hills. His win was just the ninth ever, the first in over a decade, where someone went wire-to-wire without any ties. Again… at the U.S. Open.What’s more is that Clark has won the national championship before. He is now a two-time U.S. Open winner and won his two titles within a four-year span. Everything about every word that I have said here so far is undeniably impressive.Unfortunately, Wyndham Clark is not exactly the most popular player on the PGA Tour. That was, also unfortunately, a big part of his victory on Sunday.You don’t have to be mad about thisLet’s start right now and say this: You can feel any way you want to.Be mad that Wyndham Clark won the U.S. Open again. Tweet about it. Maybe you were on the grounds at Shinnecock and among those voicing your displeasure for him while trying to manifest Literally Anyone Else winning the tournament.My objective here isn’t to tell anyone how to behave because I don’t think that makes sense to do. Goodness gracious though… Wyndham Clark won the U.S. Open! And people are hellbent on belittling it as much as possible.If you are new around here then you may not know that Wyndham, upon not performing well, damaged lockers at last year’s U.S. Open at Oakmont. In the now year that has passed I have never seen anybody justify this in any capacity. It is hard to get universal agreement on anything on the internet, but it seems that we have that here. Wyndham doing that was not cool. It was embarrassing. It was lame. Whatever.Wyndham has also apologized for this many times over the last year. It was a constant talking point during NBC’s broadcast of the tournament. Once more, no one is justifying his behavior (or the club toss that he had at the PGA Championship in 2025 as well as the Oakmont incident) in any kind of way. No one is even telling you that you have to change your mind about how you feel about it all.Is it not unfortunate though that Wyndham just conquered (arguably) golf’s most difficult test (for a second time in four years) and that people are holding his feet to the fire about this? That he fought off boos and negative comments throughout his championship-winning round on Sunday?No part of me is trying to act like the Golf Police here, but if people are so concerned with the transgressions against the game that Wyndham committed… isn’t this public shame/discourse/criticism counter to the game’s principles, too? I’m not comparing anything. I’m just saying that this feels like an intense obession at this point.Even if you want to have the passionate feelings about this, you are more than welcome to as noted. Clark winning a golf tournament isn’t exactly some magic twist of the universe that will force you to change your mind.Maybe just… don’t put all of that intense energy out? All of the time? Because it is hardly doing anything positive?  #Wyndham #Clark #twotime #major #champion #dont #mad

Indian women’s hockey team chief coach Sjoerd Marijne has called for improved field-goal conversion despite his team’s successful return to the FIH Pro League after winning the Nations Cup.

India defeated host New Zealand 2-0 in Sunday’s final, courtesy of goals from Navneet Kaur and Sunelita Toppo, to clinch its second Nations Cup title and secure promotion to the Pro League.

“Of course, we are delighted to win our first tournament and final together,” Marijne said after the victory.

“It was crucial for us to learn how to win finals, especially after our recent heartbreak against England in the World Cup qualifier. The team improved with every match. We relied on a very strong and well-organised defence.”

The Dutch coach, however, said India’s finishing from open play still requires improvement.

“While we created enough opportunities to score more, that remains an area where we must keep working. Our penalty-corner conversion was very good throughout this tournament. If we can achieve a higher conversion rate for field goals, that will be fantastic.”

Marijne also acknowledged the challenge of entering the competition as the highest-ranked team.

“It is never easy to win a tournament when you enter as the highest-ranked team. We showed that we can manage that pressure well.

“Moving forward, playing against the top teams in the world will provide an important learning process for our youngsters. Testing ourselves at the highest level is exactly what we need to grow to the next tier.”

India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, defeating the USA, Japan and Uruguay in the group stage before overcoming Chile in the semifinal.

Striker Lalremsiami was named Player of the Final, while drag-flicker Deepika finished joint top scorer with six goals alongside USA’s Ashley Sessa.

Hockey India announced a cash reward of Rs. 3 lakh for each player and Rs. 1.5 lakh for every member of the support staff.

Team effort

Captain Salima Tete said the title was a reward for the team’s preparation.

“It feels absolutely amazing to lift this trophy. Our entire team worked incredibly hard for this moment. We entered this tournament with a clear mindset to bring the trophy home. Securing promotion back to the Pro League was extremely important for us. I am proud that we achieved our goal.”

Looking ahead to the World Cup in August, Salima added: “This victory provides a massive boost to our confidence. The team is playing with a very strong mindset right now. Every single match in this tournament was highly important for us. This win gives us the perfect momentum for our future preparations.”

Published on Jun 22, 2026

#Marijne #sharper #finishing #India #womens #team #seals #Pro #League #return">Marijne wants sharper finishing after India women’s team seals Pro League return  Indian women’s hockey team chief coach Sjoerd Marijne has called for improved field-goal conversion despite his team’s successful return to the FIH Pro League after winning the Nations Cup.India defeated host New Zealand 2-0 in Sunday’s final, courtesy of goals from Navneet Kaur and Sunelita Toppo, to clinch its second Nations Cup title and secure promotion to the Pro League.“Of course, we are delighted to win our first tournament and final together,” Marijne said after the victory.“It was crucial for us to learn how to win finals, especially after our recent heartbreak against England in the World Cup qualifier. The team improved with every match. We relied on a very strong and well-organised defence.”The Dutch coach, however, said India’s finishing from open play still requires improvement.“While we created enough opportunities to score more, that remains an area where we must keep working. Our penalty-corner conversion was very good throughout this tournament. If we can achieve a higher conversion rate for field goals, that will be fantastic.”Marijne also acknowledged the challenge of entering the competition as the highest-ranked team.“It is never easy to win a tournament when you enter as the highest-ranked team. We showed that we can manage that pressure well.“Moving forward, playing against the top teams in the world will provide an important learning process for our youngsters. Testing ourselves at the highest level is exactly what we need to grow to the next tier.”India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, defeating the USA, Japan and Uruguay in the group stage before overcoming Chile in the semifinal.Striker Lalremsiami was named Player of the Final, while drag-flicker Deepika finished joint top scorer with six goals alongside USA’s Ashley Sessa.Hockey India announced a cash reward of Rs. 3 lakh for each player and Rs. 1.5 lakh for every member of the support staff.Team effortCaptain Salima Tete said the title was a reward for the team’s preparation.“It feels absolutely amazing to lift this trophy. Our entire team worked incredibly hard for this moment. We entered this tournament with a clear mindset to bring the trophy home. Securing promotion back to the Pro League was extremely important for us. I am proud that we achieved our goal.”Looking ahead to the World Cup in August, Salima added: “This victory provides a massive boost to our confidence. The team is playing with a very strong mindset right now. Every single match in this tournament was highly important for us. This win gives us the perfect momentum for our future preparations.”Published on Jun 22, 2026  #Marijne #sharper #finishing #India #womens #team #seals #Pro #League #return

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