Hockey India Enhances Player Welfare at Senior Men's Nationals
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Synopsis
Hockey India has deployed additional support staff, including a physiotherapist and a masseuse, to the 15th Senior Men National Championship 2025 in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, emphasizing player welfare and performance management.
Key Takeaways
- Hockey India prioritizes player welfare.
- Additional medical staff deployed at championships.
- Focus on preventing injuries and enhancing performance.
- Support for athletes before the FIH Pro League.
- Investment in long-term athlete health.
New Delhi, April 8 (NationPress) In a proactive effort to prioritize athlete welfare, Hockey India has dispatched additional support personnel - including a physiotherapist and a masseuse - to the ongoing 15th Senior Men National Championship 2025 in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh.
This year’s Men's National Championship showcases an impressive 31 players from Indian men’s hockey teams. Among the notable players are Hardik Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Krishan B Pathak, Abhishek, Amit Rohidas, Sumit, Gurjant Singh, and Sanjay.
Understanding the high-pressure nature of the tournament and the demands on the Indian team players, Hockey India's initiative guarantees that players have access to immediate medical assistance and recovery support.
The chief coach of the Indian men’s team, Craig Fulton, highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, "It’s a critical step by Hockey India. Most local teams lack dedicated physiotherapists or medical staff, but our national players are used to a professional environment.
"The aim is to prevent injuries and ensure our players can excel. With the FIH Pro League approaching, it’s essential for our athletes to be managed effectively.
"Having proper assessments and treatments in place helps us mitigate unnecessary risks and aids players in quick recovery from any minor issues. This type of support greatly contributes to maintaining high performance in both domestic and international competitions.”
The president of Hockey India, Dilip Tirkey, mentioned, "The health and well-being of our players is of utmost importance. With such a significant number of national team players participating in the Senior Nationals, we deemed it our responsibility to offer the medical and recovery resources they are familiar with. This not only safeguards their well-being but also elevates the competition standards. We are dedicated to supporting our athletes at every level.”
The secretary-general of Hockey India, Bhola Nath Singh, further commented, "This decision was well-considered and made last year to ensure ongoing player care. The Senior Nationals are a pivotal segment of our domestic calendar, featuring top-level talent, including many members from the national squad.
"By deploying added physiotherapy and massage support, we are ensuring that our players are not only fit to compete but also protected against long-term injuries. It’s an investment in their future and in Indian hockey as a whole."
The tournament is currently being held from April 4 to 15 at the iconic Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. Following the newly implemented division-based format used during the Senior Women National Championship in March, this tournament adds a competitive element with a promotion and relegation system.
A total of 30 teams are participating this year, categorized into three tiers - Division A, Division B, and Division C - creating a dynamic and high-stakes domestic competition that not only showcases skill but also rewards consistent performance.
