New Delhi [India], Indian men's hockey team's illustrious former goalkeeper Bharat Chhetri has extended his support and appreciation to Hockey India's latest initiative aimed at promoting grassroots level talent and upliftment of women's hockey in the country. Chhetri spoke enthusiastically about the impact these initiatives will have on sports in India. Hockey India's recent efforts include a pioneering program targeted at nurturing young drag-flickers and goalkeepers across India. This strategic investment underlines the National Sports Federation's commitment to identifying and nurturing promising talent at the grassroots level. Former goalkeepers and drag-flickers, including Chhetri, have been empaneled to lead intensive 3-day training sessions at leading national academies across the country.The objective of these sessions is to identify and hone the skills of young athletes looking to excel in these important positions. As quoted by Hockey India, Chhetri expressed his enthusiasm for the program and said, "Investing in grassroots development is paramount for the future of Indian hockey." By focusing on specialized training for goalkeepers and drag-flickers, Hockey India is laying a solid foundation for the emergence of world-class talent in these vital roles. I am honored to be a part of this initiative and am confident that it will yield remarkable results. The assembled pool of outcome coaches for the game includes esteemed former Indian goalkeepers Adrian D'Souza, Yogita Bali, Helen Mary, Deepika Murthy, Akash Chikte and Are.
Along with AO, India's renowned former drag-flickers Rupinder Pal Singh, Gurjinde Singh, VR Raghunath and Jaspreet Kaur are also included.Following their intensive training, these experienced coaches have been strategically deployed in leading national academies across India, ensuring dissemination of expertise and knowledge to aspiring young athletes across the country. Apart from the grassroots development programme, Hockey India has recently unveiled the unprecedented National Women's Hockey League. 2024-2025 is an important milestone for women's hockey in the country. The National Women's Hockey League represents the first domestic women's league of its kind in India, providing a platform for emerging athletes and enhancing the stature of women's hockey in the country. The teams participating in the first edition of the league include Hockey Haryana, Hockey Maharashtra, Hockey Jharkhand, Hockey Madhya Pradesh, Hockey Bengal, Hockey Mizoram, Manipur Hockey and Odisha Hockey Association.Chhetri described the league as an important boost for women's hockey and said "The National Women's Hockey League marks an important moment for the sport in India. By providing such a huge competitive platform at the domestic level for female athletes, Hockey India is providing a platform for hockey stars. Empowering the next generation and fostering a culture of excellence. “I am thrilled to witness this historic moment and am confident that the league will inspire countless young girls to pursue their dreams in hockey.” Notably, the National Women's Hockey League is structured in two phases and the inaugural phase of the tournament is scheduled to be held in Ranchi.Jharkhand, from April 30 to May 9, at Jaipal Singh Astrotour Hockey Stadium in Marang Gomke.
Along with AO, India's renowned former drag-flickers Rupinder Pal Singh, Gurjinde Singh, VR Raghunath and Jaspreet Kaur are also included.Following their intensive training, these experienced coaches have been strategically deployed in leading national academies across India, ensuring dissemination of expertise and knowledge to aspiring young athletes across the country. Apart from the grassroots development programme, Hockey India has recently unveiled the unprecedented National Women's Hockey League. 2024-2025 is an important milestone for women's hockey in the country. The National Women's Hockey League represents the first domestic women's league of its kind in India, providing a platform for emerging athletes and enhancing the stature of women's hockey in the country. The teams participating in the first edition of the league include Hockey Haryana, Hockey Maharashtra, Hockey Jharkhand, Hockey Madhya Pradesh, Hockey Bengal, Hockey Mizoram, Manipur Hockey and Odisha Hockey Association.Chhetri described the league as an important boost for women's hockey and said "The National Women's Hockey League marks an important moment for the sport in India. By providing such a huge competitive platform at the domestic level for female athletes, Hockey India is providing a platform for hockey stars. Empowering the next generation and fostering a culture of excellence. “I am thrilled to witness this historic moment and am confident that the league will inspire countless young girls to pursue their dreams in hockey.” Notably, the National Women's Hockey League is structured in two phases and the inaugural phase of the tournament is scheduled to be held in Ranchi.Jharkhand, from April 30 to May 9, at Jaipal Singh Astrotour Hockey Stadium in Marang Gomke.
