Bharat Chetri lauds Hockey India’s initiatives for grassroots talent and women’s hockey
Bharat Chetri Praises Hockey India’s Initiatives to Boost Grassroots Talent and Women’s Hockey
Former Indian Men’s Hockey Team goalkeeper, Bharat Chetri, has lauded Hockey India’s recent efforts to enhance grassroots talent and uplift women’s hockey in the country. Chetri expressed his support for the national sports federation’s initiatives, emphasizing the positive impact they could have on the sport in India.
One of Hockey India’s key initiatives includes a groundbreaking program aimed at nurturing young drag-flickers and goalkeepers from across the nation. This strategic investment highlights the federation’s dedication to identifying and developing promising talent from the grassroots level. Former goalkeepers and drag-flickers, including Chetri himself, have been enlisted to lead intensive 3-day training sessions at premier national academies, focusing on honing the skills of aspiring young athletes in these crucial positions.
Chetri commended the program, stating that investing in grassroots development is essential for the future of Indian hockey. He praised Hockey India for laying a solid foundation for the emergence of world-class talent in key roles, expressing confidence in the initiative’s potential to yield remarkable results for the sport.
In addition to the grassroots development program, Hockey India recently unveiled the National Women’s Hockey League 2024 – 2025, a groundbreaking initiative for women’s hockey in India. The league, the first of its kind in the country, aims to provide a platform for emerging athletes and elevate the stature of women’s hockey.
Teams participating in the inaugural edition of the National Women’s Hockey League include Hockey Haryana, Hockey Maharashtra, Hockey Jharkhand, and others. Chetri hailed the league as a significant boost for women’s hockey, emphasizing its role in empowering the next generation of hockey stars and fostering a culture of excellence.
The National Women’s Hockey League is set to kick off in Ranchi, Jharkhand, from April 30 to May 9, at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium. With Chetri’s support and the federation’s commitment, Indian hockey is poised for a bright future filled with talent and opportunities for aspiring athletes.