Hockey Te Charcha Hockey India

In the 53rd episode of Hockey Te Charcha, we sat down with Shri Ashok Kumar, the son of the legendary Major Dhyan Chand and recipient of the Hockey India Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award at the Hockey India 6th Annual Awards 2023.

Shri Ashok Kumar was part of the greatly revered side that won India's only World Cup title, against Pakistan in 1975. He was the one who scored to complete the 2-1 victory over Pakistan in the Final. Additionally, Ashok is a proud recipient of the prestigious Arjuna Award in 1974.

In this episode, Ashok Kumar expressed his emotions upon receiving the Hockey India Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award. He took us through the nerve-wracking 1975 World Cup Final against Pakistan through his eyes and shared anecdotes from the life of his father, Major Dhyan Chand. Ashok Kumar also shed light on the hardships present in Indian Men's Hockey Team midfielder Vivek Sagar Prasad's battle while training under him and outlined his expectations from the current squad at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

In the 52nd episode of Hockey Te Charcha, we spoke with M.M. Somaya, the former Captain of the Indian Men's Hockey Team, renowned for his role as a defending-midfielder. Somaya, a pivotal figure in Indian hockey,
secured gold at the 1980 Moscow Olympics and continued his illustrious Olympic journey in 1984 and 1988, both as a player and Captain.

Alongside his sporting achievements, he excelled in a
successful corporate career with Bharat Petroleum, receiving the Lifetime Achievement award from the Petroleum Sports Promotion Board in 2007. At 64 years old, Somaya is also a proud recipient of the prestigious Arjuna Award.

In this episode, Somaya shares insights into the current
state of Indian hockey, with a specific focus on women's hockey and the upcoming 14th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship.
Addressing the recent setback of the Indian women's hockey team failing to qualify for the Paris Olympics, Somaya views it as a temporary obstacle that
can be overcome through strategic improvements and effective coaching. Don't miss out on the veteran's perspectives on the sport.

In the 51st episode of Hockey Te Charcha, we catch up with the former Captain of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team and Padma Shri Award recipient, Eliza Nelson, who speaks about her journey in the sport and the culture of women’s hockey back in the day.

Eliza was the Captain of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team, which clinched the historic Gold medal at the 1982 Asian Games held in New Delhi at the jam-packed Shivaji Stadium. She was also part of the Indian team that finished fourth in the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games, their first-ever appearance at the quadrennial extravaganza. Tune in to listen...

In the landmark 50th episode of Hockey Te Charcha, we spoke with Indian Junior Women's Hockey Team defender Preeti, who will be Captaining Team India in the upcoming FIH Hockey Women's Junior World Cup 2023, which will be held in Santiago, Chile from November 29th to December 10th, 2023. Preeti, who also led India to the Women's Junior Asia Cup gold medal earlier this year, spoke about the team's preparations for the tournament.

The tournament will feature 16 teams divided into four pools. India are in Pool C, alongside Germany, Belgium, and Canada. Pool A includes the defending Champions the Netherlands, South Africa, Australia, and Chile, while Pool B includes Argentina, Korea, Spain, and Zimbabwe. Pool D includes England, the United States, New Zealand, and Japan. Despite the tough competition, Preeti is confident that India will be able to secure a medal in the tournament.

Tune in to hear...

In the latest edition of Hockey Te Charcha, we delve into the experiences of the esteemed Indian Junior Men’s Team Coach, C R Kumar. We discuss his transition from a hockey player to a coach, as well as his thoughts on the ongoing Sultan of Johor Cup and the upcoming FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2023. Coach C R Kumar offers sound advice on how young hockey players can prepare to face challenges both on and off the pitch. He is currently in Malaysia for the Sultan of Johar Cup 2023 in Johor.

He also discusses the performance of the Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team in the tournament.

In the latest episode of Hockey Te Charcha, former Indian Men’s Hockey Team goalkeeper, Adrian D’Souza, praises the Hockey India Sub-Junior National program for its remarkable efforts in nurturing budding hockey talent. Adrian, who recently joined the coaching staff at the Sub Junior National Camp, shares his enthusiasm for his new role and the profound impact of this initiative on young players.

The podcast also explores the holistic approach of the Sub Junior National camp, which provides players with an Olympic village-like experience, incorporating off-field skills and learning from accomplished coaches like Sardar Singh, Rani, Asunta Lakra, Lazarus Barla, and Lilima Minz. Adrian expresses confidence in the Sub Junior Teams' potential for future success and India's pursuit of a Gold medal in upcoming tournaments.

Additionally, Adrian shares insights into the growth of fellow goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, emphasizing the importance of developing a unique style. He reflects on Sreejesh's journey from facing language barriers and cultural shocks to becoming a remarkable icon in Indian hockey.

Tune in for more from him.