Hockey India to organize regional sub-junior, junior tournaments

New Delhi (Best Hindu News): Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey said that it is planning to start regional tournaments in sub-junior (U-17) and junior (U-19) categories across the country to develop the game at the grassroots level. are planning.

Speaking on Hockey India’s program ‘Hockey Te Charcha’, Tirkey said, “For any sport to flourish, development is needed at the grassroots level. A strong foundation gives you good players and a strong senior and junior team. Players in the Sub-Junior (U-17) and Junior (U-19) categories have not got enough playing time in the past. We are going to fix this system by introducing junior and sub-junior competitions at the regional level.”

The former Indian captain said, “Practically speaking not everyone will play for India but in this system at least the players will be able to take pride in representing their respective regions. It will give them the fun of competition at a young age.”

Padma Shri Tirkey, who has represented India in nearly 400 matches, said the arrangement would help the selectors and the administration to build a pool of players.

“We are trying to create a pipeline of talent. We could potentially have a pool of around 50 players from each region. At any point in time, we need to know at what level our sub-junior or junior athletes are and so we can give them the resources they need.”

Tirkey informed that Hockey India is starting special training programs for athletes and coaches under this initiative.

“We can provide training modules like ‘drag-flick programme’ or ‘goalkeeper programme’ depending on the level of competition at the regional or national level. These training camps can be organized under the supervision of former international players.

He added, “Focus on individual development is very important and that is why we are emphasizing on residential facilities for young athletes rather than a simple academy-based model. This will enable them to become familiar with the training and nutritional requirements required to perform at their best.”

Tirkey said players can expect world-class arrangements at the upcoming national championship to be held in Odisha in April, where matches will be played under floodlights. “Once we give our junior athletes responsibility and experience from an early age, it will be easier for them to face the challenges that come with playing for India at the international level,” Tirkey said.