Emulating its great run like the Tokyo Olympics, the Indian Hockey Team won bronze at the Paris Olympics 2024 on Thursday. India secured its 13th Olympic hockey medal and their fourth bronze, adding to its legacy as one of the sport's most successful nations. Notably, Punjab has become a major contributor to the success of the Indian Hockey Team at the Paris Olympics as 10 out of 16 players hail from the state. Recently, Hockey Punjab President, Nitin Kohli while talking to True Scoop revealed what the organisation is doing to nurture more talent from Punjab and how it may help the local players at the grassroots level. Nitin Kohli also expressed that he is positive that the day is not too far when Hockey will get the same recognition as cricket in India. Below is an excerpt of an interview with Hockey Punjab President Nitin Kohli-
What Punjab Hockey is doing to bring more talent, especially for those playing at the local level?
Nitin Kohli said, "Hockey Punjab is under the leadership of Hockey India. Hockey India has started giving funding to many states. Currently, we are trying to bring the league back to Punjab. We are planning to organise Punjab Hockey League. Next month we are also organising Nationals for juniors. 800 youths from all over India will come and live here. On the grassroots level, there is round glass, they are working efficiently for Punjab Hockey. Also, we are trying to privatise it. We managed to get private sponsorship for the team. That will be an excellent trial as far as Punjab Hockey is concerned. So, every player will be sponsored by an individual company. "
Can hockey get equal recognition as cricket in India?
Responding to it, Nitin Kohli said, "People have started taking an interest in hockey. Suddenly, lots of families are sending their children to learn hockey and are also involving themselves. This is a good sign for hockey. In the coming days, we feel that hockey will be equivalent to cricket in terms of its recognition. If we can win medals in hockey then India as well as the Punjab government should promote the sport from grass root level. Then only hockey can evolve. We keep on trying from our side by organising hockey tournaments or leagues. But, till there is no association of the government it is slightly difficult. We will try to bring and involve the government also."