Jaipur Hosts Grand Finale of 5th Soft Hockey National Championship
The vibrant city of Jaipur witnessed the successful conclusion of the four-day long 5th edition of the Soft Hockey National Championship on Sunday. Organized under the esteemed aegis of the Amateur Soft Hockey Federation of India, the event unfolded at the iconic SMS Hockey Stadium amidst an atmosphere brimming with enthusiasm, exemplary sportsmanship, and dignified celebration.
Thrilling Finale and Distinguished Guests
The closing ceremony commenced with an electrifying Senior Boys match between Rajasthan and Maharashtra, setting the stage for an evening of honors. The ceremony was graced by Dr. Arun Chaturvedi, Chairman of the Finance Commission, Rajasthan, who served as the chief guest. Adding to the prestige was Sunaina Prakash, Legal Chairman of the Indian Olympic Association and National Chairman of the Amateur Soft Hockey League of India, who attended as the guest of honor.
The event also saw the presence of notable dignitaries including Suresh Dewan, Director of Khyaati Tradecom Pvt. Ltd. and Shubh Laxmi Cold Storage, alongside reputed builders and suppliers involved in strategic construction projects for Assam Rifles in North-East India.
Federation Leadership and National Growth
Representing the federation on stage were key figures: Dr. Ashutosh Pant (National President), Dr. Aditya Nag (National Vice Chairman and National In-charge), G.S. Rathore (Senior Vice President), Shikha Pant (National General Secretary), and Ramesh Singh. In his address, Dr. Ashutosh Pant proudly recounted the federation's significant achievements over the past five years.
He emphasized that soft hockey has been successfully organized in nearly 20 states across India, marking a substantial national footprint. The federation's accomplishments include the successful execution of a national league and two prestigious international tournaments, underscoring the sport's rising profile.
Grassroots Initiatives and International Interest
A cornerstone of the federation's mission is the "Har Ghar Hockey" campaign, which focuses on talent search programs and distributing free hockey sticks to talented children from disadvantaged and underprivileged communities. Dr. Pant revealed an ambitious target to distribute approximately one lakh hockey sticks across India, with over one thousand already provided to aspiring young players.
The championship itself saw participation from teams representing more than 12 states, a clear indicator of soft hockey's expanding national influence. Notably, the event attracted international attention, with Belgian hockey players observing the matches and expressing keen interest in introducing the sport to Belgium soon.
Vision for Unity and Future Prospects
Chief guest Dr. Arun Chaturvedi, in his speech, welcomed athletes to the brave land of Rajasthan, highlighting that such sporting events serve as vital platforms for talent while simultaneously strengthening national unity and instilling discipline. He extended heartfelt congratulations to the organizers for orchestrating a seamless and successful event.
Guest of honor Sunaina Prakash shared exciting future prospects, expressing the possibility of organizing the upcoming Soft Hockey League Championship in Uttar Pradesh. She also proposed an ambitious plan to host a Soft Hockey World Cup in Dubai in the future, an initiative described as a significant step forward for the global sports community.
Celebrating Indigenous Roots and Modern Evolution
Dr. Aditya Nag, in his vote of thanks, eloquently highlighted the historical, cultural, and indigenous essence of soft hockey. He described it as "a modern expression of traditional games played with sticks made from tree branches and a ball made from cloth," rooted in India's ancient sports tradition where games evolved from children's creativity in villages despite limited resources.
He elaborated that soft hockey is not merely a sport but represents a renaissance of New India's sporting culture. It embodies core Indian values such as:
- Teamwork and collective spirit
- Discipline and fitness
- Hand-eye coordination and quick decision-making
Inspired by traditional stick-ball games prevalent in rural and tribal areas, soft hockey adeptly incorporates the techniques, strategies, and global perspective of modern field hockey. This fusion prepares players for high-level competition while maintaining its deeply indigenous spirit.
The sport is conducted in strict accordance with modern field hockey rules, including:
- Fixed team composition and timed quarters
- Standardized judging criteria
- Fundamental skills like dribbling, passing, tackling, and goal scoring
This structured approach provides a robust and professional platform for players to thrive and excel.
Recognition and Impeccable Organization
During the ceremony, coaches, referees, and officials from various states were honored for their contributions to the sport. National General Secretary Ramesh Singh informed attendees that excellent arrangements were made throughout the tournament for player accommodation, food, and other essential facilities. This ensured all participants could enjoy the competition in a safe, comfortable, and disciplined environment.
Thus, the 5th Soft Hockey National Championship concluded on a high note, beautifully blending sports, culture, indigenous tradition, and a modern, forward-looking approach. The event not only celebrated athletic prowess but also reinforced the growing stature of soft hockey as a unifying and culturally significant sport in India.
