Hockey India looks to get ‘things right at the bottom’ for a strong structure at the top

While Hockey India started a Grassroots Development Committee last year, it has now begun financial assistance to states and districts to revive the organisation at the lowest levels.

Hockey India, under president Dilip Tirkey, announced financial assistance for State and District Member Units. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

As someone who came up the ranks when Indian hockey struggled for funds and facilities, Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey knows the importance of financial support. Unsurprisingly, grassroots development is his biggest personal dream.

While the federation started a Grassroots Development Committee last year, Hockey India has now begun financial assistance to states and districts to revive the organisation at the lowest levels.

“We understand that getting things in order at the bottom is very important to build a strong structure right up to the top,” he told Sportstar.

“Earlier, many states didn’t even have district units. We have now asked all of them to register district committees, get them affiliated and conduct school and club level events, senior and junior meets, for both men and women.”

“We have already given Rs. 2 lakhs to every state unit and will give 1 lakh more on completion of the process. State units will also get Rs. 10 lakhs for organising state championships.

We will also provide Rs. 20,000 to every district to organise school and club events besides sticks, balls and other equipment. We need to first get our house in order, only then can we expect government support at the state and district level,” he added.

The announcement of cash rewards for winning matches is also borne out of Tirkey’s personal experiences.

“When we played, we also thought we were working hard for the country and the game and should get something. Everyone expects financial support. We still cannot compare with cricket but every player expects some reward.

“The main idea behind announcing these rewards is to improve performances -- motivate players to play better, together, confidently. We do not have the funds right now to start full-time annual contracts but we wanted to make a start somewhere and this is a small first step,” he insisted.

HI gives Rs. 50,000 for every player and Rs. 25,000 for every staff member for winning an international game at every level for both men and women.

Asked about holding international events outside Odisha, Tirkey admitted it was a collaborative effort.

“We are telling state units to increase hockey events and convince state governments and local sponsorship. Just like the Tamil Nadu government has stepped forward and is now doing so much starting with the ACT, which I hope will encourage other states to follow suit.

Somewhere down the line our state units slowed down and stopped being actively involved but we are starting again now,” he said.