Hockey India chief Dilip Tirkey asks academies to focus on reforms

In a recent letter to all member units of Hockey India, President Dr. Dilip Tirkey stressed the importance of specialist drag-flickers and goalkeepers in modern hockey. And he urged the academies to focus on improving these two aspects of the game. Dr. Tirkey also highlighted the need to develop a talent pool of young athletes specializing in these two skills.

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"The drag-flicking technique has become one of the most thrilling aspects of modern hockey. The joy of a well-coordinated penalty corner with the ball being dragged at the speed of a bullet going past the wall of defenders always emerges as one of the most exciting aspects of the sport. Similarly, there is a growing importance of having a well-trained and agile goalkeeper. India's recent success in major international tournaments can be attributed to PR Sreejesh and Savita Punia who have played their roles with the utmost professionalism."

Dr. Dilip Tirkey

Dr. Dilip Tirkey

Passionate about the need to enhance talent pool in these aspects, Hockey India has initiated the process of scouting for talents from an early age. With the support of hockey academies and sports hostels programme, the training and selection of these athletes to the national level has been supported.

"Drag-flickers and goalkeepers at the junior level still need vast improvement in their game skills. Hence, there is a growing need for specialised coaching across these disciplines at the academies." Dilip Tirkey further added.

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Additionally, to develop better young talent in these two important areas, Hockey India has urged member units to start specialized coaching in hockey academies and sports hostels. The coaches engaged for this will train Zonal teams selected during inter-zonal tournaments. These coaches, who are as essential to the ecosystem as all other coaches, will also get a chance to enhance their skills as part of this programme, Hockey India said in the release.