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 latest efforts to nurture grassroots talent and uplift women’s hockey in the country. Chetri, who himself is a former goalkeeper, expressed his support for the national sports federation’s initiatives aimed at identifying and refining promising young athletes.
Hockey India’s recent endeavors include a pioneering program focused on developing young drag-flickers and goalkeepers across India. The federation has enlisted former goalkeepers and drag-flickers, including Chetri, to lead intensive training sessions at premier national academies nationwide. These sessions aim to hone the skills of aspiring athletes looking to excel in these crucial positions.
Chetri emphasized the importance of investing in grassroots development 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 like goalkeeping and drag-flicking. The former goalkeeper expressed confidence that the initiative would yield remarkable results for the sport.
In addition to the grassroots development program, Hockey India recently introduced 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, provides a platform for emerging athletes and elevates 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, noting that it empowers the next generation of hockey stars and fosters 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. The league is structured into two phases, with the first phase scheduled to take place in Ranchi.