Belgium Hockey Stars Create Lasting Impact in Odisha with Youth Training Initiative
The Belgium men's hockey team, currently competing in the FIH Pro League in India, has developed a significant fan following in Odisha during their extended stay of over seven weeks. Star players like Arthur van Doren and Alexander Hendrickx, who previously helped Kalinga Lancers win the Hockey India League, have become particularly popular figures among local supporters.
Community Engagement Through Training Session
This connection was vividly displayed during Belgium's victory against Argentina in their first Pro League match on Tuesday, where enthusiastic crowd celebrations highlighted the team's local support. The bond was further strengthened when the Belgian squad visited the Panposh Sports Hostel in Rourkela before the tournament, dedicating an entire afternoon to training nearly 90 junior and sub-junior players.
Tom Boon, one of Belgium's standout forwards who top-scored in the Hockey India League with 19 goals for Ranchi Royals, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative. "It's always nice to give something back. Hockey brought me so many things and when I have time, I enjoy doing this, especially in India. It was a pretty nice experience and anytime I'm back here, I'm happy to do it," said Boon, who began the Pro League with a hat-trick against Argentina.
Boon specifically worked with female players during the session, noting: "They were pretty excited to have us around. I gave training only to the girls and they were very good. It was a nice moment and I hope they will keep dreaming and keep training to one day become an international player."
Impressed by Odisha's Sports Infrastructure
Belgium captain Arthur van Doren was particularly impressed with the facilities at Panposh Sports Hostel, where several Indian hockey stars began their careers. "It's good to see that they're creating a lot of discipline by making the kids train, study and live together. I think that's something really nice. You see that Odisha is one of the leading states in India to do so and I think they're doing extremely well," van Doren remarked.
The training session focused on fundamental skills, as described by Dibit Madki, a junior player who has been training at Panposh for three years. "They stuck with the basics like receiving the ball, making a spin and then passing it to the next player; dodging the defenders and playing one-vs-one," Madki explained, clearly pleased with the experience.
Coaching Staff Shares Expertise
The Belgian coaching staff also participated actively, providing valuable inputs to local coaches at the hostel. Kalu Charan Choudhury, a social duty officer and coach with over 35 years of experience who has trained players like Birendra Lakra, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, and Amit Rohidas, shared the advice received: "They told us to work on their strength, power and speed."
Whether the Belgian team returns for more extended sessions in the future remains uncertain, but their visit has undoubtedly left a profound impression on the young athletes. The experience has expanded their horizons and inspired them to dream bigger about their potential in international hockey, creating memories that will likely influence their development for years to come.
