Astroturf Is Turning Kovai Into Hockey Capital of W. TN

Coimbatore: The high-grade, synthetic hockey turf laid at R.S. Puram limits here in Coimbatore, the first-of-its-kind in western Tamil Nadu, opened new avenues and opportunities for modern hockey development as modern hockey requires synthetic turf, popularly known as astroturf that tests the skills, stamina and endurance of the players.

Dr. P. Senthil Rajkumar, secretary of the Coimbatore district hockey association as well as the general secretary of the Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu, said the first synthetic hockey turf that came into being early this year in Coimbatore elicited an astonishing support and interest among the budding and existing hockey talents in Coimbatore and in the neighbouring districts.

In the past few months we conducted quite a few hockey tournaments / leagues for schools and colleges, besides the clubs. The highlight among them was the recent hockey India men junior national championship tourney which was held in July- August that now shows how national hockey tourneys make their way to Coimbatore. Besides holding regular matches and tournaments to spur interest among the hockey talents and learners we also conducted camps for the coaches and umpires, he added.

“This renewed enthusiasm towards hockey by budding hockey talents as well as some parents who show interest to train their wards in hockey, was possible due to the synthetic hockey turf laid in Coimbatore which matches international standards amidst the lovely sports ambience. It is a fact that due to the lack of modern synthetic hockey turf, which is essential for playing hockey at the international level, the expected interest among the budding sports talents was missing towards hockey in the recent past. Now, the scenario has begun to change as many school and college students got caught in the hockey fervour. This is astounding and a good sign that indicates that hockey will grow and develop with renewed energy and strength from here to make Coimbatore the hockey capital of the west zone as the synthetic turf in Coimbatore opened the floodgates to promote modern hockey with zeal,” he said, exuding confidence.

“It is really overwhelming to note that many schools, colleges and clubs from neighbouring districts including the Nilgiris, Erode and Namakkal are making enquiries to get trained in the synthetic hockey turf in Coimbatore. Quite a few yesteryear hockey talents in the Coimbatore zone visit the ground for confabulation and exchange views to support and develop hockey further. We also encourage each and every hockey lover and hockey talent who approaches us for coaching in the modern synthetic turf in Coimbatore. We also asked for the necessary nods and support for holding Khelo India hockey programmes in Coimbatore. We hope in near future Coimbatore will carve out a niche for itself in developing and promoting modern hockey. We are now looking for schemes to erect a gallery around the synthetic hockey turf ground to accommodate more spectators, besides creating other infrastructure facilities to further improve the modern hockey atmosphere in Coimbatore,” Senthil Rajkumar added.