New Delhi: To prepare the Indian men’s hockey team for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, Hockey India has hired the expertise of Dutch goalkeeping specialist Dennis Van De Poole. Van De Poole will be part of the ongoing national coaching camp held at the iconic Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar, where he will work closely with goalkeepers PR Sreejesh, Krishan Pathak, and Suraj Karkera.
The 10-day special goalkeeping camp, under the supervision of chief coach Craig Fulton, will conclude on March 26, just a week before the team embarks on their tour of Australia, informed Hockey India in a release on Sunday.
Dennis Van De Poole has a longstanding association with Indian goalkeepers, with his initial stint dating back to 2019. His expertise and experience are expected to provide valuable insights and enhancements to the goalkeeping department of the Indian team.
Commenting on the significance of the camp ahead of India’s tour of Australia, Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey stated, “This is a crucial phase for the Indian Men’s Team as they gear up for the Olympic Games. Every aspect of their preparation will play a pivotal role in achieving success in Paris. Hockey India is committed to providing the team with the necessary support to realize their dream of another podium finish.”
Dr. Tirkey emphasized the importance of specialized coaching camps, particularly in areas like goalkeeping and drag-flicking. He expressed delight in engaging Dennis Van De Poole, highlighting his extensive experience with the goalkeeping unit over the past four years.
Echoing similar sentiments, Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh hailed the initiative as a ‘game changer’. Singh underscored the significance of investing in core areas like goalkeeping and drag flicking to elevate the team’s overall performance. He reiterated Hockey India’s unwavering commitment to leaving no stone unturned in facilitating the team’s preparations ahead of the Olympic Games.
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