Former India Goalkeeper Bharat Chetri Praises Hockey India’s Emphasis on Nurturing Drag-Flickers and Goalkeepers at Grassroots Level

Hockey India (HI) is making significant strides in nurturing talent at the grassroots level, with a special focus on developing drag-flickers and goalkeepers. Former India goalkeeper Bharat Chetri has lauded HI for its efforts in this regard, emphasizing the importance of specialized training for these crucial positions.

Chetri, along with other former goalkeepers and drag-flickers, will lead training sessions at national academies across the country. The trainers include renowned names like Adrian D’Souza, Yogita Bali, and Rupinder Pal Singh, among others. This initiative aims to build a strong foundation for the emergence of world-class talent in these key roles.

“I am honored to be a part of this initiative and am confident that it will yield remarkable results for the sport,” Chetri said, highlighting the significance of investing in grassroots development for the future of Indian hockey.

In addition to this initiative, HI has introduced the National Women’s Hockey League, a groundbreaking competition that will provide a platform for women athletes from various states to showcase their talent. Teams from Haryana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and other states will participate in the inaugural edition of the league for the 2024-25 season.

Chetri praised the introduction of the league, calling it a pivotal moment for women’s hockey in India. He believes that the league will inspire young girls to pursue their dreams in hockey and contribute to the growth of the sport in the country.

With these initiatives in place, HI is setting the stage for the development of a new generation of hockey stars and fostering a culture of excellence in the sport. The future looks bright for Indian hockey as it continues to invest in talent at the grassroots level.