‘Youngsters can learn from foreign players at HIL’

RANCHI: Playing alongside one of the best players of the game in the Hockey India League is a good opportunity for the Indian youngsters to learn nuances of the sport, Olympians Sylvanus Dungdung and Michael Kindo said on Thursday.

“It’s a wonderful chance that our boys got to play with foreign hockey players. I would advise players from India playing with them to focus on the style, tactics and skill of the foreign players and learn from them on the pitch,” said Dungdung, 1980 Moscow Olympic Games full back.

“I will take about 50 boys and girls to give them a chance to watch tomorrow’s match between Ranchi Rhinos and Mumbai Magicians,” Dungdung, who coaches them, said.

He said 500 other hockey trainees from the state would also have the opportunity to see players form across the globe in action.

“I have asked the trainees to focus on the player who plays in the particular position they play in. This will help them plug the gaps,” Dungdung said.

The 1975 World Cup winning member, Michael Kindo said that budding Indian players should observe the strong points of foreign players and learn from them.

“HIL is a great idea. At least the standard of living of hockey players will improve and parents will be inspired to send their children to hockey fields once again, but I can’t come to watch as I am suffering from a knee trouble,” Kindo said over phone from Rourkela in Odisha.

“I hope HIL will help India get its hockey glory back,” Kindo, who was also a full back during his heydays, added.