Hockey India to provide financial assistance for grassroots development through member units

Ranchi, Nov 3 (IANS): In a significant move aimed at nurturing hockey at the grassroots level, Hockey India has decided to offer financial assistance to its member units for their exceptional performance in national championships. This decision was reached during the 13th Congress of Hockey India held in Ranchi on Friday, hosted at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh AstroTurf Hockey Stadium meeting hall. The Congress witnessed the unveiling of several pivotal decisions and initiatives to bolster the sport across the nation.

Hockey India’s groundbreaking initiative involves awarding Rs 10.00 lakh to each Member Unit that clinched medals at the Hockey India National Championships held throughout the year 2023. State Member Units set to benefit from this development in 2023 include Hockey Haryana, Hockey Jharkhand, Hockey Association of Odisha, Hockey Madhya Pradesh, Hockey Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh Hockey, and Hockey Chandigarh.

Additionally, Hockey India will provide financial support to its Member Units for their active participation in the Hockey India National Championships. Permanent State Member Units that engage in at least four of the six National Championships will receive a support grant of Rs 1.50 lakh. Units participating in all six National Championships will be eligible for a substantial grant of Rs 9.00 lakhs. Associate State Member Units will receive 50% of Rs 1.50 lakh for their involvement in each Hockey India National Championship, provided they compete in a minimum of four annual National Championships.

Hockey India President Padma Shri Dr. Dilip Tirkey, who also chairs the Hockey India League (HIL) Committee, shared updates during the Congress about the revival of the much-anticipated Hockey India League. Speaking after the Congress, Tirkey emphasized, “These financial grants are a reflection of our commitment to recognizing and nurturing talent in Indian hockey. By incentivizing member units, we aim to foster a spirit of competitiveness and encourage wider participation at the national level.”

Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh added, “These initiatives mark a significant step forward in our mission to enhance the sport of hockey across the country, raising the overall standard of the game. The Congress also underscored the importance of Member Unit Compliance at the State and District levels, emphasizing Hockey India’s commitment to good governance within the sport at all levels.”