Hockey clinic by German coach Rozwadowski begins

A hockey clinic organised by India players Yuvraj Walmiki and his brother Devinder Walmiki kicked off today at the Mumbai Hockey Association (MHA) here.

German coach Fabian Rozwadowski, who currently coaches the men's team in Germany for Alster Club in Hamburg, will be imparting lessons to youth at the training camp, which is set to conclude on November 10.

Forty players from various categories like sub-juniors, juniors and seniors are taking part in this camp.

Devinder, an attacking midfielder, said it was Fabian who groomed his talent and made him a better player. "I have played in the German League, Bundesliga. Even my brother (Yuvraj Walmiki) has played in the league. We wanted to impart the latest generation training to the boys in Maharashtra and so we have got Fabian here to give the lessons to boys," the 25-year-old player said.

He said it was former India hockey player Dhanraj Mahadik, who first played in the German League and showed them the way how to play in Bundesliga.

According to Devinder, the pace of the game has changed over a period of time and the German coach will also impart lessons on it to the players.

"Dhanraj Sir (Dhanraj Pillay) has backed us throughout and is expected to also guide the players during the clinic," he said.

The clinic will conclude with a friendly match between India stars and the players who attended the camp, sources said, adding that they have planned a grand ceremony.