Hockey India, today a ground-breaking initiative aimed at investing in the future of the sport through specialized coaching targeting young drag-flickers and goalkeepers across the nation.
This decision follows a pivotal meeting convened to discuss the crucial aspects of Goalkeeping & Drag Flicking Coaching at the grassroots level.
The meeting saw the participation of eminent former India goalkeepers including Adrian D’Souza, Bharat Chetri, Yogita Bali, Helen Mary, Dipika Murty, Akash Chikte, PT Rao, along with illustrious former India drag-flickers Rupinder Pal Singh, Jugraj Singh, VR Raghunath, and Gurjinder Singh.
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey, Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh, Treasurer Sekar Manoharan, and High-Performance Director Herman Kruis, also were involved in these deliberations, joining the meeting virtually.
The unveiled plan places a paramount emphasis on nurturing talent at the grassroots level, with a focused approach towards identifying and honing gifted players in the pivotal positions of drag-flickers and goalkeepers.
Speaking on the initiative, Rupinder Pal Singh said, “it 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.”
Helen Mary commented, “This initiative marks a significant step forward in goalkeeper development and for nurturing future drag-flickers. It’s particularly beneficial for aspiring grassroots goalkeepers and players of all genders. The pathway from sub-juniors to juniors and ultimately the national team is now clearer, sparking excitement among coaches to witness the progress of all age groups. This promises to be a promising journey ahead.”
“As a former 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.” said former goalkeeper Bharat Chetri.