The Indian men’s hockey team’s preparations are in full flow for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. With around three months left before the biggest sporting event in the world, Hockey India has roped in Dutch goalkeeping coach Dennis van de Pol for a special 10-day camp.
The Dutchman has worked with the Indian men’s hockey team for the last five years and will join the team in the ongoing national coaching camp being held at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
He’ll work closely with goalkeepers PR Sreejesh, Krishan Pathak, and Suraj Karkera under the supervision of chief coach Craig Fulton. The 10-day camp will end by March 26, a week before the team departs for their Australia Tour.
Hockey India on importance of Australia Tour ahead of Paris 2024 Olympics
On the crucial lead-ups to the mega-event, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey, said, “This is a very important phase for the Indian Men’s Team and everything they do in the months leading up to the Olympic Games (Paris) will be crucial in achieving the desired result in Paris. In their quest for another podium finish, Hockey India is ensuring the team is provided with all the necessary support they need to fulfil this dream.”
“We have re-emphasized the importance of these specialized coaching camps in goalkeeping and drag-flicking. We are delighted to engage Dennis who has been closely working with this group of goalkeepers for nearly four years now and understands the minor tweaks needed to lift their performance.”
Praising the 10-camp, the Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh said, “The initiatives we are taking now, particularly in core areas such as goalkeeping and drag-flicking is a game changer and crucial in improving the collective performance of the team. We are leaving no stone unturned in helping the team with their preparations ahead of the Olympic Games.”
Editors pick
