The Hockey Federation of India on Sunday announced financial assistance to district and state member units to improve the game
Post Date – 11:30 PM, Sun – July 2
New Delhi: The Hockey Federation of India on Sunday announced financial assistance to district and state membership units to raise the level of the game at the grassroots level.
As part of its commitment to the ‘Hockey India ka Abhiyan Har Ghar Ho Hockey Ki Pehchan’ programme, Hockey India has disbursed grants of Rs 2 lakh each to all its state member units. This initial grant will help district units within their remit achieve their deliverables and adhere to necessary guidelines.
Apart from the initial allocation, Hockey India will also award further awards of INR 100,000 per person to the respective state member units upon successful completion of competitions by the respective district units. This additional funding will incentivize state member units to effectively support and mentor their district units.
The Hockey Federation of India will also provide an additional grant of INR 1 million to member units in each state for the successful staging of state championships and ensure the holding of regional championships in the state in 2023. In addition, all regional units are required to hold regional tournaments in compliance with the general competition guidelines issued by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
Completion of these competitions will be a prerequisite for state membership units to be eligible for the above grants. Hockey India recognizes the critical role played by district units in promoting the development of the sport at the grassroots level.
Hence, an extra bonus of Rs. $20,000 will be awarded to each regional unit upon successful completion of regional unit compliance and organization of the regional tournament.
Hockey India president Dr Padma Shri Dilip Tirkey said the financial aid would provide a boost to regional and state competitions, “perhaps the first time that a non-cricket national sports federation has approved financial aid going directly to a regional association.” A move that reflects Hockey India’s commitment to promoting the game of ice hockey at the grassroots level. By providing financial support to state and territory units, we aim to promote compliance, encourage participation and promote the overall growth of the sport. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these financial grants have on communities across the country,” he said.
Secretary-General Bharat Singh further added to the President’s sentiments, saying, “The substantial financial assistance is part of Hockey India’s ongoing efforts to nurture and strengthen the game of ice hockey at all levels.
“Earlier, Hockey India also distributed hockey equipment in various states as part of Hockey India ka Abhiyan Har Ghar Ho Hockey Ki Pehchan programme. By empowering state and district units, Hockey India aims to lay the groundwork for the future of the sport solid foundation and create a conducive environment for the growth of aspiring athletes,” he added.
