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The Need for Developing Hockey Talent at the Grassroots Level
India has a rich history in the sport of hockey, with multiple Olympic gold medals to its name. However, in recent years, the country has struggled to maintain its dominance in the sport. Recognizing the need to nurture talent from a young age, Hockey India has taken a significant step towards developing hockey at the grassroots level.
Financial Assistance for Member Units
In a groundbreaking move, Hockey India has decided to provide financial assistance to its member units for winning medals and participating in national championships. This initiative aims to encourage and support the development of hockey at the grassroots level.
At the 13th Congress held in Ranchi, Hockey India announced that each member unit that won medals at the Hockey India National Championships throughout the year 2023 will be awarded Rs 10.00 lakh. This financial assistance will help strengthen the state member units and provide them with the resources they need to nurture young talent.
The state member units that will benefit from this initiative in 2023 include Hockey Haryana, Hockey Jharkhand, Hockey Association of Odisha, Hockey Madhya Pradesh, Hockey Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh Hockey, and Hockey Chandigarh. This support from Hockey India will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the development of hockey in these regions.
Financial Support for Participation in National Championships
In addition to the financial assistance for winning medals, Hockey India has also resolved to provide financial support to its member units for their participation in the Hockey India National Championships. This initiative aims to encourage wider participation and foster a spirit of competitiveness at the national level.
Under this initiative, each permanent state member unit that participates in at least four of the six national championships will receive a support of Rs 1.50 lakh. Units that participate in all six national championships will receive a substantial grant of Rs 9.00 lakhs.
Similarly, associate state member units will be awarded 50% of Rs 1.50 lakh for their participation in each Hockey India National Championship, provided they play in at least four annual national championships. This financial support will not only incentivize member units to actively engage in the national championships but also raise the overall standard of the game.
Revival of the Hockey India League
During the Congress, Hockey India President Padma Shri Dr. Dilip Tirkey, who is also the Chairman of the Hockey India League (HIL) Committee, provided a thorough update on the revival of the much-anticipated Hockey India League. This announcement has generated excitement among players, fans, and stakeholders alike.
Dr. Dilip Tirkey expressed his commitment to improving the activities and support of hockey at the grassroots level. As a former player himself, he understands the importance of financial grants directly to the grassroots level and how they impact the lives of budding players. By empowering state member units, Hockey India aims to produce hockey stars across India.
Commitment to Good Governance
In addition to the initiatives mentioned above, the Congress also focused on member unit compliance at the state and district levels. This underscores Hockey India’s commitment to good governance within the sport at all levels. By ensuring compliance and promoting transparency, Hockey India aims to create a strong foundation for the development of hockey in the country.
In conclusion, the financial assistance provided by Hockey India to its member units for grassroots development is a significant step towards nurturing talent and raising the standard of hockey in India. These initiatives will not only encourage wider participation but also foster a spirit of competitiveness. With the revival of the Hockey India League on the horizon, the future of Indian hockey looks promising.
