2016 Hockey India League: Akash Chitke to make this opportunity count with Ranchi Rays
Young Indian custodian Akash Chitke has expressed his excitement to play alongside some of the best players in the world of hockey in the upcoming edition of the Hockey India League. He was bought by Ranchi Rays for a mere USD 4,500 in the recently concluded HIL auction.
He was declared as the ‘Promising Player of the Tournament’ in the recently concluded 5th senior National Championship for producing some amazing saves and successfully guarding the goal post for his side.
Akash said, “I am happy that I am part of Ranchi Rays where I will get a chance to play with the diverse set of talented players. It will be a golden opportunity for me to showcase my capabilities and skills in such a crucial League which is regarded the world over as the best Hockey League by every International association including the FIH,” as Hockey India reports.
“My next goal from here is the National side”
The 23-year old goalkeeper is currently taking part in the three-week goalkeeping camp under South African Dave Staniforth at the Major Dhyan Chand stadium in New Delhi. His training with the South African will help the goalie to prepare himself and showcase his skills to the Ranchi Rays selection committee.
He added, “It is good to see that my performance in the Senior National Championship has been acknowledged and that helped me to get picked up by Ranchi Rays during the auction. I am aiming to use this platform to my advantage as my next goal from here is the National side.”
Akash is thrilled with the prospect of playing alongside Ashley Jackson, Manpreet Singh and Birendra Lakra and is keen to learn as much as he can from the experienced players.
“I can’t wait for the League to start”
He has credited his selection into the Ranchi Rays squad to his national team coach Mr. Hardiner Singh, under whom he thinks can turn into a mature goalkeeper and push for the selection into the Indian national team.
He concluded, “Be it Trent Mitton, Tyler Lovell, Ashley Jackson, Manpreet Singh, Birendra Lakra or Barry Middleton, I am certain to gain a good learning experience from each one of them and I can’t wait for the League to start. I think this induction to Ranchi Rays would be largely because of Coach Harendra Singh who has this ability to notice talent and work on that talent to make it a masterpiece. I am looking forward to be coached under him for the League.”
The Hockey India League will commence from early January next year. It will have its inaugural match in Bhubaneswar and the Finale will be played in Ranchi.