In a bid to financially help players sustain their career in sport, Hockey India has taken an instrumental decision to provide an annual grant of Rs 2 lakh for members of the Indian Men and Women Core Probable Groups who have not yet landed a job in Government departments or Public Sector Units (PSU).

The decision was taken during the Annual General Meeting of the National body in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh today. "While most of the hockey players get recognised for their performances in domestic and international meets by PSUs and Government Departments who provide jobs, it has been brought to our attention that some of the new comers in the senior core group, particularly among the women are unemployed,” said Hockey India president Dr Dilip Tirkey.

“To aide those who are unemployed with financial assistance so they or their families do not have to struggle to make ends meet, this decision of providing Rs 2 lakh grant each year has been taken by Hockey India Executive Board during the AGM in Lucknow," announced Olympian and former India captain Dr Tirkey.

Representatives from 31 State units of Hockey India and Hockey India Executive Board Members including secretary general Bhola Nath Singh and treasurer Sekar J Manoharan were present in the AGM.

Apart from this, the officials also discussed the progress made by Indian National Teams in Senior and Junior Men and Women, upcoming events in India and development programmes at the grassroot level. The AGM also focused on Coaches Education Pathway and deploying former hockey stars in various roles to further boost the sport.
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PHOTO: Hockey India president Dr Dilip Tirkey (Right) and secretary general Bhola Nath Singh address the AGM in Lucknow on 1 September 2024.