Hockey India, the apex body for the sport in the country, has announced a ground-breaking initiative aimed at investing in the future of Indian hockey through specialized coaching targeting young drag-flickers and goalkeepers across the nation.
This strategic decision follows a pivotal meeting convened to discuss the crucial aspects of Goalkeeping & Drag Flicking Coaching at the grassroots level.
Hockey India Launches Grassroots Development Program
The newly unveiled initiative 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.
By fostering a nurturing environment from an early age, Hockey India aims to fortify the talent pipeline for the nation’s prestigious hockey teams.
Elevating Indian hockey: Hockey India unveils pioneering coaching initiative targeting young drag-flickers and goalkeepers nationwide. Esteemed former India goalkeepers including Adrian D’Souza, Bharat Chetri, Yogita Bali, Helen Mary, Dipika Murty, Akash Chikte, PT Rao, along… pic.twitter.com/BMdpMW5aRl
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) March 15, 2024
Key Areas of development 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.
This initiative is truly remarkable, providing young talents with invaluable learning opportunities as they glean insights and refine their skills under the guidance of seasoned athletes. It presents a wonderful chance for the former players 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.
