Rourkela: If what the two coaches say is to be believed then Hockey in Odisha is all set to take the next big leap from where it is today. The two coaches believe that there is no dearth of talent but, what’s required is proper management of it along with exposing the trainees to the changing world of hockey. “Hockey is changing very fast. As you can see the game has become really fast. In this scenario, the talents must be honed as you do with uncut diamonds by polishing them with the utmost care,” said former Olympian Edgar Mascarenhas, who is in charge of the Under 21 Women for the national game, his present assignment in hand. His compatriot BJ Kariappa said, “In the fast changing scenario you must understand the game what it requires.
Today’s hockey is not what it was three years ago. Now you play positional hockey along with don’t let the opponent any space.” This he explained through video recording of previous matches where the team did well and where it deviated a little. Speaking about how they are trying to implement a program for the coaches at the grassroots level and also for the players, Kariappa, who is in charge of the senior and junior boys’ team, said, “We have been conducting workshops, mostly two days, where we impart the advanced basics to the local coaches who are working with talents before entering the academy.” So far, they have conducted five such sessions for ground-level coaches. “This will bear result in the long run, it is not instant noodles,” added Kariappa. Both had a word of caution for every coach. A coach should reach the field before the players arrive and decide what to do in the session and explain to them. Both believed the time had gone when the coach would arrive late lazily have a practice session and go back after sharing some ideas. “Now you have to prepare and be ready with video analysis along with strategy, look after their core strengthening with support staff, and much more,” said Kariappa. Earlier during the interview, the duo was confronted with some information that they were rude and angry at times with the trainees.
Answering this question they begin by making some observations. The duo remained very categorical about what they were doing with the trainees whom they call the raw talents or black diamonds. “Hockey is inherent to them. You just need to spot what they lack and what they have naturally. We just work on those and it is easy for us because they understand the basics more,” said Edgar. Kariappa said, “Along with skills, which can be transformed with sustained effort, we are more concerned about their communication skill.” From here both went on to add, “A coach has to shout at times if they continue with the same mistake like it happens in a family. It is not a fact that they react to our shouting. But yes, we are very much careful about the tribal sentiment as they are very docile but talented.” “Sometimes to get the talent out you have to be tough, else why are we here” said Kariappa. Edgar further said, “Communication is not about speaking in public. It is sharing your feelings, giving your suggestions and expressing your intent during the video analysis. This helps you to understand the game better. By just saying ‘yes sir’ you are not doing any justice to the money being spent on you and also on your talent. Open up and speak. We are achieving that now and that is heartening for us.” When asked why the transition from junior to senior team was not happening with talents from Odisha, Edgar said, “The coach looks at many aspects and you have to communicate and express then only one will know what is there in your mind. Besides modern hockey is a little different from what they have learned. We are imbibing that. Wait for a while and you will definitely get the result.” “You have the best of facilities here, and the government is very serious about it. We are making them understand the pressure of big tournaments at the national level. What was happening earlier was not going to work. So, they have different sessions now like video analysis, strength building with professionals, discussions with fellow players and many more activities,” informed Kariappa. Both coaches have developed another innovative methodology where senior players like Abhishek Lakra, Deepak Prasad, Deepak Kerketta and Biju Ekka have been chosen to act as coaches. “This is because they know the local language and also their emotions.
So, they also double up as coaches like helping hands to us. We give them certain tasks during training sessions and they interact with the players and make them understand. This is really helping us now. Now they are less reticent to say rather have become more interactive,” added Kariappa. When asked, Edgar said before parting, “I am confident of a podium finish in the national games that we are going to participate in at Goa in October.” And Kariappa who would be going to take part in the senior national tourney for men sometimes later in the year, said, “Nothing less than in the top four.”
