A special hockey masterclass for young players!
On Sunday, during the 95th All-India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup Hockey Tournament at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, Chennai, over 30 school students from the Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Nellikuppam, R R Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Nellikuppam, Greentech Higher Secondary School, Maruthadu, and Modern Higher Secondary School, Nellikuppam, got an opportunity to be a part of an inspiring session led by Olympians SV Sunil, Rahul Singh, Devendra Walmiki and Devesh Chauhan, who gave the students lessons from their journey as sportspersons. The students also witnessed a short speech by Dr J Radhakrishnan, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary to TN Government and Principal Secretary for Civil Supplies Department of Tamil Nadu. He emphasised the importance of teamwork and following their coaches` instructions.
"Years ago, if anyone had asked me whether hockey would become more popular, I may not have answered in the affirmative. But, now, given the efforts put into conducting tournaments such as these and increased importance given to it by the state government, hockey`s popularity has improved a lot more. Along with this, the Indian team`s successful performance in the Olympics has also been inspirational for young players such as yourselves," said Dr Radhakrishnan.
The students were also the beneficiaries of a special hockey masterclass by Olympians V Baskaran and BP Govinda. Mr Baskaran and Mr Govinda taught basic hockey techniques to the budding players and demonstrated them in this 30-minute masterclass. They also encouraged the students to play with them and taught them the importance of fitness and regular practice. "It was a great opportunity for me to be part of the session for the children from Nellikuppam. Govinda and I emphasised the importance of communication skills in a team, because that`s what makes a team work well. I found the children to be very enthusiastic. It was inspiring for me too, and it will take hockey to great heights," said Mr Baskaran.
