“We aim to unearth the next generation of talent” - Bhola Nath Singh discusses Hockey India’s vision ahead of HIL 2024-25
The Secretary General of Hockey India, Bhola Nath Singh, exuded unwavering optimism when discussing the growth of the sport in India. Over the past decade, India has accomplished a series of remarkable milestones in hockey, re-establishing itself as a formidable force on the global stage.
Singh has been at the heart of it all, witnessing the transformative changes unfold. As per Bhola, Hockey India now has a vision to build for the future. The body intends to unearth talent from the maidans of India and build a solid roster of talented youngsters who shall carry the charge come the LA Olympics in 2028.
Bhola Nath Singh was in a conversation with Sportskeeda on the sidelines of the Hockey India League player auction.
"Hockey India has a clear target-the 2028 LA Olympics. Planning for the next edition, we can't pin our hopes entirely on the current lot of players who are now 30-32. We need to shift our focus onto the youngsters. Our vision is to find out who will be those 18 players in LA and also build a roster of around 40 players. We start with an aim to unearth the next generation of talent at the upcoming HIL," Bhola said.
A former wrestling coach himself, Singh understands firsthand the crucial role of nurturing and grooming talent at the right time for a sport to thrive.
"Grass root and junior level is where the scope for improvement always lies. Players are found between the 17-21 age group. We now have a special focus on that. The more we improve grass root hockey in India in every which way possible, the more we will progress as a nation in this sport," he added.
"The current lot of players have much more freedom" - Bhola Nath Singh reflects on the new era of Indian Hockey
Every time the Indian hockey team steps onto the pitch, there's a noticeable extra spring in their stride. Bhola Nath Singh believes there is a lot that has changed since the last regime with regard to how the sport is played in the country.
"I don’t want to delve much into what the problems were in the past or what I get to hear from players from then. It is for everyone to go back and see. But, I can tell you that today's players have much more freedom in their minds and can express themselves. I talk to players, coaches and selectors and that tells me that the performance is only going to go up from here. Indian hockey is in great health now," Singh said in the same interview.
The sport of hockey continues to share a special bond with Indians and Bhola Nath Singh’s words stand as a powerful affirmation of the nation’s continued success in the sport.