India: Hockey India launches comprehensive Coaching Course & Match Officials Education & Development Plan for emerging Coaches and Match Officials

New Delhi, 4^th March 2024: Hockey India continues its extensive Coaching Course and Match Officials Education & Development Plan, aimed at nurturing emerging coaches and match officials. This initiative reflects Hockey India’s dedication to fostering excellence across all levels of the sport.

Acknowledging the pivotal role of coaches in shaping the future of Indian hockey, Hockey India is taking steps to elevate coaching standards and involve more coaches. The Coaching Courses will be conducted in three categories:

1. HI Level Basic Course:

• Registration Period: 7th to 11^th March 2024
• Commencement: 12^th March 2024

• Registration Period: 12th to 16^th March 2024
• Commencement: 20^th March 2024

In addition, Hockey India is expanding its focus on the education and development of Match Officials, with Zonal Level Courses for Technical Officials and Umpires being an integral part of this initiative.

Aspiring candidates seeking nominations for the Hockey India Match Officials Education & Development Plan Zonal level courses are encouraged to contact their respective Member Units and request nominations through the Hockey India Member Unit Portal (https://muportal.hockeyindia.org/pre_official_registration).

During the courses, match officials will be provided necessary guidance & support in order to fast-track their development. After which eligible candidates will be provided an opportunity to officiate at the Hockey India sanctioned Sub Junior & Junior Level Zonal National Championships. In addition to this, the candidates will be eligible to attend FIH Academy, AHF & Hockey India Umpires & Technical Officials Courses/workshops.

The Zonal Level Courses are scheduled across four zones in March 2024:

1. North Zone (Technical Officials & Umpires):

• Dates: 11th to 13th March 2024
• Venue: Lakshmibai National Institute Of Physical Education, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

• Dates: 15th to 17th March 2024
• Venue: Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi, Pune, Maharashtra

• Dates: 18th to 20th March 2024
• Venue: Pullivendalla, DSA Sports Complex, YSR Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh

• Dates: 22nd to 24th March 2024
• Venue: Naval Tata, Hockey Academy Jamshedpur, Jharkhand

Furthermore, Hockey India is organizing HI Technical Delegate & Umpires Manager courses at New Delhi. These courses are scheduled to be held from 27th March to 30th March 2024, at the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.

The comprehensive program is designed to foster a deeper understanding of the FIH Rules and Regulations governing their roles.

Also, to enhance their knowledge for effectively guiding upcoming Technical Officials and Umpires, as well as to evaluate and analyze their performances in a unified manner.

HI Technical Delegate & Umpires Manager (All Zones):

• Dates: 27th to 30th March 2024
• Venue: Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi

Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey lauded the initiative, saying, “The standard of hockey in India will grow if we focus on the development of the sport at the grassroots level. That implies providing youngsters with the best coaches and conducting matches with the same standards as international matches. To best equip the coaches, technical officials, and umpires for this endeavor at the grassroots, we are introducing multiple courses. These courses will help elevate the standards of the sport while also providing opportunities for candidates to grow in their careers.”