K. ARUMUGAM

Certain things bring sustained success. All hockey power houses keep doing them over decades. That’s why they continue to be what they are. One of the fulcrums of such success formulae is to create, groom and sustain various age group teams. India has not done that. It has been a grey area. India’s wholesome junior program is devoid of sub-junior element! At last, we hear some movement on this virgin land.

The basics of how to develop a super hockey nation seems to have taken a firm root in India with the announcing of new grassroot program by Dilip Tirkey, first-ever player-president of Hockey India, today. Basically, its a four-point program as under.

ZONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

The program package, which is mostly competition focused, is designed to unearth young talent and groom them. As a first step, Hockey India will conduct zonal championships at the Sub-Junior (U-16) and Junior (U-19) levels. The program aims to find the most talented players in each of the zones – north, south, east and west. The first inter-zonal tournaments will begin on 19th March 2023, with an expected 30 state teams participating.

“The Zonal Championships will provide young athletes with exposure to the same match conditions as the Hockey India National Championships. Shortlisted athletes identified in the zonal championships will be required to participate in the National Championships, giving them opportunities to further develop their Hockey skills,” says Dilip.

GRASSROOT DEVELOPMENT COMMITEE

To promote identification of talented athletes, each zone will be equipped with 3-member selection committees. The selectors and the coaches of the zonal teams will be responsible to monitor and keep us updated on further development of all the players.

“We are looking to develop the sport of hockey in a holistic way. We want to grow players in specialized positions such as goalkeepers and drag flickers. A group of ten men and women goalkeepers and drag flickers will be selected initially and trained under Indian as well as foreign coaches.”

The Grassroots Development Committee will identify locations for the players’ training and adequate facilities will be provided for conducting specialized coaching camps with the support of Hockey India.

The programs aims to track the development of players from the age of U16 and monitor their progression throughout their career. This will enable Hockey India to identify the current skill set of each player and focus on honing and polishing their skills.

Tirkey further added, “the development of players in Junior and Sub-Junior teams is also a focus, as not everyone can play for the Indian national team. The zonal championships will allow players to take pride in playing for their zonal team and enhance their resumes.”

U-17 & U-19 NATIONAL TEAMS

Hockey India will create U17 and U19 Indian teams and send them for domestic and foreign exposure. This will help players gain experience and draw in more fans, generating interest in the sport. As a result, the future bench strength of the main Junior and Senior Indian teams is expected to become stronger. Tirkey asserted: “The development of players will be strictly scrutinized as they proceed through the various development phases, and Hockey India officials are determined not to miss a single talent.” Finally, U-23 National development squad will also be integrated into the ecosystem to serve as a feeder for the Indian team.

ZONE BASED COACHES AND OFFICIALS’ PANEL

To supplement the effort, Hockey India will further identify two crucial components. A special coach’s panel is being formed for the Inter-Zonal Championship, which will consist of coaches who hold a minimum FIH Level 1 Certificate. This panel will not only coach the teams participating in the championship but also ensure the development of their fellow domestic coaches. Along with coaches and players, Hockey India will also compile a list of promising technical officials from across the country, they will form a robust match officials panel that will officiate the grassroots tournaments.”

WELCOME STEP

Zonal Championship is a not a new concept in India. East and South have been organizing it but their scale and frequency are too feeble to make an impact on the ground. Now that the national governing body has taken the initiative, it is expected to deliver. First and foremost is the provision of another platform for age groups to show case their talent. This was a long felt need. Secondly, its logical to develop U-17 and U-19 teams which will serve multipurpose. It will be motivator for the teams to prepare and perform well in the Zonals. This will also augment employment avenues.

Mu caution of course is to see that the program is not consumed by the age-old age fraudsters!