In a bid to enhance the Indian men’s hockey team’s preparations for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, Hockey India has enlisted the assistance of Dutch goalkeeping expert Dennis Van De Poole. He will be working closely with goalkeepers PR Sreejesh, Krishan Pathak, and Suraj Karkera at the national coaching camp in Bhubaneswar.
The 10-day special goalkeeping camp, supervised by chief coach Craig Fulton, will conclude on March 26, a week before the team embarks on the Australia Tour, as per a release by Hockey India on Sunday. Dennis has been collaborating with Indian goalkeepers since 2019, showcasing his expertise over the past four years.
Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey emphasized the importance of the camp, stating, “This is a very important phase for the Indian Men’s Team… in their quest for another podium finish.” He highlighted the organization’s commitment to supporting the team in achieving their Olympic dreams, ensuring they have the necessary resources and guidance.
“We have re-emphasized the importance of these specialized coaching camps in goalkeeping and drag-flicking,” Tirkey added. Dennis’ extensive experience with the goalkeepers makes him well-equipped to make the required adjustments to elevate their performance levels, as mentioned in a Hockey India release.
Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh hailed the initiative as a ‘game changer’, emphasizing its significance in improving the team’s overall performance. He underscored the organization’s comprehensive approach to assisting the team with their preparations ahead of the Olympic Games, leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of success.
