Karnataka Hockey Struggle for Revival Due to Poor Infrastructure at Grassroots Level

Bengaluru, Sep 23: Karnataka's inadequate grassroots infrastructure has become a major obstacle to the development of hockey in the southern state. Once a key breeding ground for hockey talent, Karnataka is now struggling to make its mark on the national stage.

According to Olympian and Hockey Karnataka secretary AB Subbaiah, poor infrastructure and outdated coaching methods are the main challenges holding back the sport's progress.

Of Karnataka's 31 districts, only a handful have proper hockey turfs. Aside from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) facilities in Bengaluru, which are primarily reserved for national teams, the rest of the state's pitches are worn out and unsuitable for quality practice.

"In the late 1990s, Karnataka had as many as five players in the national team, including myself," Subbaiah recalled. However, since the Rio 2016 Olympics, no player from Karnataka has made it to the Olympic squad for either the Tokyo 2020 or Paris 2024 Games. Forward SV Sunil was part of the core group preparing for Tokyo 2020 but was ultimately dropped from the final selection. Also read: Asian Champions Trophy: Araijeet Singh Hundal Journey from Rural Amritsar to Indian Hockey Glory

Subbaiah, a two-time Olympian and Arjuna Awardee, explained the long-lasting effects of poor early training: "It's hard to correct bad habits learned in the formative years. To nurture potential, we need a solid grassroots system. Skills learned on grassy surfaces don't translate well to synthetic turfs," he said, stressing the importance of modern facilities.

Hockey has evolved significantly over the years, with the game now primarily played on synthetic turfs. Players need to have high-quality equipment, including sticks, to perform at their best. However, many areas in Karnataka, including Coorg, which was once the state's hockey stronghold, suffer from substandard facilities.

"There are three turfs in Coorg, but none are in good condition," former India captain and Olympian MP Ganesh shared. "Two of them are over a decade old, and one is eight years old. These surfaces must be replaced as soon as possible."

Subbaiah agreed: "With 31 districts, Karnataka should have at least 12 proper turfs to revive the hockey culture." Currently, Bengaluru has only two synthetic pitches. However, the one at SAI is reserved for national teams, and the other, overcrowded with over 150 players, is in dire need of replacement.

"All local tournaments and state camps are held on this same pitch," Subbaiah pointed out. Also read: Kabaddi Turf War Brewing in India to Control Multi Billion Business in India as International Kabaddi Federation Suspended National Body

Beyond infrastructure, a lack of quality coaching at the grassroots level is another key factor restricting player development. "Coaches at sports hostels need to update their knowledge and methods to match the latest developments in hockey," Subbaiah emphasised. "Good technique and recovery practices are crucial for developing young talent."

Subbaiah also mentioned that the divided hockey administration in the state further hampers progress. "We don't interfere with the other faction, the Karnataka State Hockey Association, which isn't affiliated with Hockey India. They have their own plans, and we don't get involved," he added.

Despite these challenges, hope remains in the form of players like Mohammed Raheel Mouseen, Karnataka's latest hockey star. Mouseen made his international debut at the FIH Pro Hockey League in 2022 but narrowly missed a spot in the national team for Paris 2024. However, he was part of the Indian team that beat China 1-0 to win the 2024 Asian Champions Trophy.

SV Sunil, another Olympian and Arjuna Awardee, pointed out that Karnataka's underperformance at senior national competitions has hindered its players' chances of being noticed. "Since Karnataka wasn't making a significant impact at the senior national competition, players missed the opportunity to be considered for the national camp," Sunil explained.

Nevertheless, Sunil remains hopeful about the future of hockey in the state. "It will take two to three years for promising players to make a mark at the national level," he said. "More exposure will build their confidence and experience."

Karnataka's recent successes, such as winning gold at the 2022 Gujarat National Games and silver at the 2023 National Games in Goa, show signs of a potential revival. "These are encouraging signs," Sunil concluded.