Hockey India announces grassroots programme for drag flickers, goalkeepers

Hockey India has aimed to invest in the future of hockey through specialised 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 and 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.

The meeting also featured Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey, secretary general Bhola Nath Singh, Treasurer Sekar Manoharan, and High-Performance Director Herman Kruis.

The newly unveiled initiative places a paramount emphasis on nurturing talent at the grassroots level, with an approach towards identifying and honing gifted players in the pivotal positions of drag-flickers and goalkeepers.

By fostering an environment from an early age, Hockey India aims to fortify the talent pipeline for the nation's prestigious hockey teams.

Key highlights of the grassroots program:

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."

Also, 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."