Dr. Tayyab Ikram, the President of the International Hockey Federation (FIH), made a major announcement at a seminar titled ‘Grassroots to Glory-All About Hockey’, hosted in the hall of the Rajgir Sports Academy. The event was organized by the Sports Department and the Bihar State Sports Authority. Dr. Ikram revealed that the Rajgir Sports Academy would receive official recognition from the Asian Hockey Federation, with the International Hockey Federation providing its support. The seminar was designed to foster hockey development in Bihar and the country, featuring discussions on key topics. Experts from various sectors contributed useful insights and suggestions regarding the advancement of women’s hockey, the significance of sports science and technology within the sport, the importance of training and coaches, the construction of a strong grassroots ecosystem, and the role of state and central governments in the resurgence of hockey.
During the seminar, questions were raised regarding the prevalence of European coaches for Indian hockey teams. Dr. Tayyab responded that while there’s no dearth of talent among coaches in India and Asia, it’s crucial to identify them and offer them the resources and financial support needed to thrive.
The seminar also touched upon the ‘Mashaal’ competition, which is the world’s largest sports talent hunt being held in Bihar. Dr. Tayyab stated that while the idea of ‘Grassroots to Glory’ is commendable, there’s a need to evolve the thinking, behavior, and sporting philosophy from the top level down to identify and nurture talent effectively. The state government’s dedication to sports and athlete development was highlighted, with recognition of the positive impact of its sports policies and schemes. This includes offering government jobs, awards, and financial aid to medal-winning athletes. Furthermore, young players are supported via the ‘Prerna Yojana’ under a sports scholarship scheme, providing up to Rs. 3 lakh for equipment, better nutrition, and training.
The Hero Asia Cup 2025 in Rajgir saw local children participating as ball boys and ball girls, reinforcing the idea that some of the biggest players in the world once held this role. The event’s organizers hope to spark inspiration for the next generation. Former Indian women’s team player, Pritam Rani, shared her message, stressing the significance of focusing on the grassroots level for the advancement of women’s hockey. Hockey India’s Secretary-General, Bhola Nath Singh, highlighted that this sort of gathering is a first for any international tournament. He advised players to depend on their smarts and exertion with true heart and dedication.
The Hero Asia Cup 2025 is being hosted for the first time in Bihar at the Rajgir Sports Complex, spanning from August 29 to September 7. The seminar was held on a Friday, a non-match day, allowing discussions to take place.