New Delhi: Former Indian Women’s Hockey Team player Jaspreet Kaur has embarked on a new journey as a coach, participating in an intensive training program alongside fellow former drag-flickers and goalkeepers under the guidance of High-Performance Director Herman Kruis at SAI Bengaluru. The initiative, spearheaded by Hockey India, aims to standardize coaching methodologies nationwide and nurture the next generation of hockey talent.
Jaspreet was among a distinguished group of former Indian goalkeepers and drag-flickers, including Adrian D’Souza, Bharat Chetri, Yogita Bali, Helen Mary, Dipika Murty, Akash Chikte, PT Rao, Rupinder Pal Singh, Gurjinder Singh, and VR Raghunath, who honed their coaching skills under Kruis’ mentorship. The program seeks to ensure uniformity and consistency in coaching, empowering athletes across the country with the latest techniques and methodologies.
Reflecting on her experience, Jaspreet expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the development of aspiring athletes. “Hockey India’s initiative for goalkeeping and drag-flicking coaching is commendable. It was an enriching experience learning from the stalwarts of Indian hockey. We collaborated to create parameters for identifying potential drag-flickers, fostering a collaborative learning environment,” shared the 28-year-old former defender.
Transitioning from player to coach, Jaspreet highlighted the challenges and learning opportunities inherent in her new role. “Teaching requires a different skill set. As a coach, I am learning to effectively communicate with athletes and guide them through their development journey. It’s essential to tailor coaching methods to suit individual needs and foster a conducive learning environment,” she explained.
Following the intensive training program, Jaspreet has been deployed to premier national academies across India, where she will impart her expertise to aspiring young athletes. Her inaugural training session at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand, marked the beginning of a series of identification camps aimed at grooming talented drag-flickers.
Jaspreet emphasized the importance of identifying and nurturing talent at the grassroots level, focusing on factors such as strength, power, height, and age. “We aim to groom players below 16 years old, leveraging their adaptability and eagerness to learn. By instilling fundamental skills at a young age, we lay the foundation for their future success,” she elaborated.
Grateful for the opportunity to give back to the sport that shaped her career, Jaspreet expressed her commitment to developing the next generation of hockey stars. “Hockey has been instrumental in my journey, and I am honored to contribute to its growth. As a mother, I feel even more determined to make a meaningful impact on young athletes’ lives. I am deeply thankful to Hockey India for this opportunity,” she concluded.
Jaspreet Kaur’s transition from player to coach exemplifies the spirit of mentorship and dedication, underscoring her commitment to fostering excellence in Indian hockey. As she embarks on this new chapter, her invaluable experience and passion for the sport are poised to inspire and empower aspiring athletes nationwide.