Hockey India has announced an initiative aimed at investing in the future of Indian hockey through specialised coaching targeting young drag flickers and goalkeepers.
This strategic decision follows a meeting convened to discuss the crucial aspects of goalkeeping and drag flicking coaching at grassroots level.
The meeting saw the participation of former India goalkeepers including Adrian D’Souza, Bharat Chetri, Yogita Bali, Helen Mary, Dipika Murty, Akash Chikte, PT Rao, along with former India drag-flickers Rupinder Pal Singh, Jugraj Singh, VR Raghunath, and Gurjinder Singh.
By fostering a nurturing environment from an early age, Hockey India aims to fortify the talent pipeline for the nation’s prestigious hockey teams.
Key highlights of the program include:
Formation of Talent Pool: Hockey India will assemble a dedicated pool of former goalkeepers and drag-flickers. These seasoned athletes will be deployed to premier national academies across India to conduct intensive 3-day training sessions.
Identification and Specialized Training: Following the training sessions, the former players will meticulously identify young talents exhibiting exceptional promise. These identified athletes will receive specialized attention and training from Hockey India, tailored to enhance their skills and nurture their potential.
Support and Compensation: Recognizing the invaluable contribution of the former players, Hockey India will provide compensation for their time and efforts. Additionally, the organization will extend support to cover any incidental expenses, including accommodation and travel arrangements.
Speaking on the initiative, Rupinder Pal Singh said: “This initiative is truly remarkable, providing young talents with invaluable learning opportunities as they glean insights and refine their skills under our guidance.
“Moreover, it presents a wonderful chance for us to pass down the wisdom accumulated through years of experience, nurturing the next generation of hockey stars and fostering a culture of mentorship and growth.”
Meanwhile, Bharat Chetri said: “As a former India goalkeeper, I applaud Hockey India for spearheading this transformative initiative. Investing in grassroots development is pivotal for the long-term success of Indian hockey.
“By focusing on crucial positions like goalkeeping from the grassroots level, Hockey India is laying a sturdy foundation for our national teams. This program not only nurtures talent but also instills a sense of pride and passion for the sport among youngsters, ensuring a steady supply of skilled players for years to come. I believe this initiative will be instrumental in shaping the future of Indian hockey and elevating our teams to greater heights on the global stage.”
Another reason for us to amend the short corner rules – countries should be looking for all round talent, not just someone who can roof one at a corner
I would apply the backboard rule to all short corner attempts at goal. It would be much safer