Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons Roar Into the Hockey India League, Ushering a New Era for Tamil Nadu Hockey – 2025
Tamil Nadu’s rich hockey legacy entered a powerful new chapter with the official launch of Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons, the state’s franchise in the prestigious Hockey India League. The grand unveiling ceremony, held at The Accord Metropolitan in T. Nagar, Chennai, marked more than just the introduction of a team—it symbolised ambition, identity, and a renewed commitment to professional hockey in the state.
The launch event brought together a distinguished gathering from the sporting, administrative, and corporate worlds. Key highlights included the formal introduction of the franchise ownership, the unveiling of the team’s striking logo, and the reveal of the official playing jersey—elements that together set the tone for a high-energy Hockey India League season ahead. For fans and stakeholders alike, the Dragons’ arrival represents Tamil Nadu’s intent to be a serious contender on the national hockey stage.
The franchise is owned by Dr. Swetha Sundeep Anand, who also serves as Managing Director of Bharath University. Her leadership blends sport with a broader social mission. For over a decade, the Accord and Bharath Groups have played an active role in education, healthcare, and community development, including providing free education to more than 6,000 meritorious students and extending quality healthcare access to economically weaker sections. This ethos of inclusive growth now finds expression on the hockey field.
Adding further gravitas to the occasion was the presence of Dr. Sundeep Aanand J, Chairman of the Asian Hockey Federation’s Strategy and Planning Advisory Committee. He was joined by Sekar J. Manoharan, Treasurer of Hockey India and President of the Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu, reinforcing the strong institutional backing behind the franchise. Team leadership was represented by Amit Rohidas, captain of the Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons, along with support staff and management.
The vision behind the Dragons extends well beyond match results. Inspired by the overwhelming response to the FIH Junior Hockey World Cup 2025 held in Tamil Nadu, the franchise aims to create pathways for local talent to gain global exposure through elite competition. Plans are already in place to establish a dedicated hockey academy under Bharath University, alongside structured capacity-building programmes for coaches and physical directors across the state .
On the sporting front, the Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons have assembled a balanced squad combining experienced international players with emerging young talent. This mix is designed to ensure immediate competitiveness while also laying the foundation for sustained success in future seasons. With league matches scheduled across Chennai, Ranchi, and Bhubaneswar, the team is set to showcase Tamil Nadu’s pride on a national platform throughout January 2026 .
The Hockey India League is widely regarded as one of the highest standards of professional club hockey in the world, bringing together elite players, global best practices, and intense competition. For Tamil Nadu, the entry of the Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons is not merely participation—it is a statement of intent. The franchise has called upon fans, media, and the wider sporting community to rally behind the team as it takes the field carrying the spirit, resilience, and ambition of the state.
As the countdown to the new season begins, the Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons stand as a symbol of progress—where sport, social responsibility, and state pride converge. For Tamil Nadu hockey, the roar has just begun.
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