Hockey India has unveiled the next phase of its Coaching Education Pathway Level ‘1’ program, introducing it in new locations in Coimbatore and Haridwar. The upcoming sessions in these cities are scheduled for May and June 2026, with registrations starting on May 13 and closing on May 17. This initiative, part of Hockey India’s long-term developmental plan, has already certified over 600 coaches from 2019 to 2026, aiming to enhance India’s grassroots coaching structure.
The Coaching Education Pathway is structured to offer a progressive system, starting from grassroots levels and extending to elite international coaching standards. It incorporates online modules, face-to-face assessments, and competency-based evaluations. Former Indian captain Rani Rampal, now an FIH Academy Level 3-certified coach, emphasized the significance of formal coaching education in aiding ex-players in transitioning to leadership roles.
Rani Rampal, who is also an FIH Academy Level 3 Certified Coach, expressed how the Hockey India Coaching Education Pathway played a vital role in her journey from player to coach. She highlighted the depth and structure it provided in understanding modern coaching methodologies, tactical planning, and athlete management. The system not only impacts player development across various age groups but also ensures a standardized technical approach among coaches nationwide.
Hockey India reported that the Coaching Education Pathway currently boasts 337 Level 1 coaches, 54 Level 2 coaches, and several certifications under the FIH Academy framework. The pathway has also produced 74 FIH Academy Level 3-certified coaches and 4 Level 4-certified coaches. President Dilip Tirkey emphasized the importance of this milestone in fostering long-term sporting excellence, emphasizing the vision to make Indian hockey self-reliant and technically proficient from grassroots levels.
Secretary general Bhola Nath Singh highlighted the federation’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility through the program’s expansion into regions like Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand. The structured framework not only focuses on gender equality but also facilitates the transition of international athletes into formal coaching roles, ensuring the transfer of tactical knowledge back into the Indian hockey system. The Level ‘1’ course involves an eight-hour practical coaching assessment, with participants required to complete both classroom and online assignments for certification, paving the way for enrollment in official FIH Academy coaching programs.
