SNBP Group’s Unremitting Focus on Domestic Junior Hockey
Seldom do we see prize money being handed out in boys’ under-16 hockey tournaments. But the All-India SNBP Boys’ and Girls’ Under-16 Hockey Tournaments are ‘refreshingly’ different – it is one of the rare prize-money under-16 boys’ hockey tournaments conducted in India. Organised by the SNBP Group at Pune, under the auspices of Hockey Maharashtra and Hockey India, this tournament (boys edition) is now into its 8th edition since making a humble beginning in 2016.
This tourney has grown in stature and is now ‘one of the looked-forward-to domestic tourneys’ for junior boys and girls teams. The fact that the boys under-16 tournament is into its 8th edition and the girls under-16 tournament is into its 5th edition are a fair indication of not just the successful conduct of these tournaments, but also drives home the point that it empowering junior-level Indian domestic hockey.
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Dr. Vrishali Bhosale – the pillar of strength behind these meticulously planned domestic tournaments shares her perspectives on how these tournaments have grown in stature since it has first rolled out (in 2016 for boys and 2020 for girls). “Initially when we used to field our school team in tournaments, I always felt that hockey as a sport is very good for height and muscle growth. Energy levels required for this sport is quite high and matches are wrapped up in an hour or so and does not need the whole or a half a day. So, it makes sense for school-going children to play hockey and balance academics,” says Bhosale in a chat with Hockey Passion.
Dr. Bhosale, who is the Organizing Chairperson and President of the SNBP Group, threw light on the ‘learnings’ as an organizer of domestic hockey tourneys. “We have been organizing this tournament (boys) for the eight edition and there have been so many learnings along the way. Conducting a tournament involves so many aspects and to build this tournament a was put in place, and I have learned from all team members and it has been a fulfilling experience. To top it all, we conduct these tournaments without any sponsorship help from any quarter,” she says with a glint of pride.
Dr. Vrishali Bhosale
Dr. Bhosale’s satisfaction stems from witnessing quality youngsters emerge from these tourneys. “We are committed to the development of grassroots hockey. We want to churn out players, who can serve the state and country with distinction. The biggest satisfaction lies in seeing players use this tournament as a platform to make a career out of hockey,” she quips.
The installation of the FIH-approved green Astroturf at the Dasharath Bhosale Hockey Stadium, SNBP International School Chikhali, Pune is another feather in SNBP Group’s hat. “The turf is already laid and we can have hockey matches over there once ongoing construction work is completed. Going forward it would be fantastic to hold our tourneys in our Stadium,” she says bubbling with excitement.
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The SNBP Group – the organizers – have earmarked Rs 3.80 lakh prize money for these tournaments. The boys team winners would receive Rs. 1 lakh, while the runner-up team would receive Rs. 50,000 with the third-placed team receiving Rs. 30,000. The girls team winners would receive Rs. 75,000, while the runner-up team would receive Rs. 50,000 with the third-placed team receiving Rs. 30,000.
Hopefully, the SNBP Group’s organizational exploits of consistently and seamlessly conducting domestic junior hockey tournaments would embolden other education institutions across the country to wear the ‘organizational hat’ and empower hockey at the grassroots level.
