Modern methods drive India forward
NEW DELHI: Indian women’s hockey team has forever lived in the shadow of their famed men’s counterparts who have been given top priority when it comes to quality training and facilities.
But slowly and steadily the women’s team is making its presence felt. The team that begins its competition against Wales carries with it a seven-member support staff — the same number of coaches and trainers the men’s team has been given.
Besides chief coach Harendra Singh and coach David John, the women’s team has the services of an analytical coach, scientific advisor, physiotherapist, masseur and a video analyst.
Backed by the scientific approach in training, the team, led by seasoned Rani Rampal, has taken impressive steps in terms of speed and fitness. It reflected in their recent results – they won the Asia Cup and beat South Korea 3-1 in an away series last month. The confidence with which the girls approach a match today has come to define them.
In September last year when Harendra Singh replaced Sjoerd as the coach, talks did the round how the women’s team was deprived of a foreign coach only to boost the chances of men’s team. It, though, turned into a blessing in disguise. Harendra, who led the boys’ team to title triumph in junior World Cup in 2016, was looking to prove himself at the higher level. As someone who is a certified FIH coach, Harendra places importance on use of modern scientific methods in training. The first thing he noticed in the girls was their low fitness levels and self-esteem.
Harendra told scientific advisor Wayne Lombard that he would push the girls in training only when they achieve a certain level of fitness. Regular Yo Yo tests were conducted while help of a biomechanics expert, a sport physiologist and psychologist were taken at the SAI centre in Bengaluru. He brought all the components of modern scientific training together. “Fitness is everything in sport. The speed comes with fitness. It builds confidence, a player starts taking risks,” says Harendra.
The players developed a winning mentality. Gold Coast will be a litmus test for the girls.
Athlete: Ashish Kumar
Event: Gymnastics (Individual All Around)
Time: 4.38am (Qualification) Team: Ashish Kumar, Yogeshwar Singh, Rakesh Patra Event: Gymnastics (Individual All Around)
Time: 4.38am (Qualification)
Athlete: Saikhom Mirabai Chanu
Event: Weightlifting (Women’s 48 kg); Time: 9.42am