Panjab University Vice-Chancellor Renu Vig honoured the Indian men's U-18 hockey team on Monday as the squad began its national coaching camp on the university campus. This marks the first national-level hockey camp hosted by the institution in more than five decades.
First national camp in over 50 years
The coaching camp, inaugurated at Panjab University in Chandigarh, brings together the country's top young hockey talent. Addressing the players and coaching staff, Vig congratulated the athletes for earning a place in the national team and interacted with them to understand their preparation. She conveyed her best wishes for a successful campaign in the forthcoming championship.
Vig invited Hockey India to organise more national coaching camps at the university, highlighting the institution's rich academic and sporting legacy since its establishment in 1882. She noted that the university has been closely associated with Indian hockey and has produced a large number of players who have excelled in the Olympics, Asian Games and other international tournaments.
University's hockey legacy
Panjab University's sporting heritage is deeply intertwined with Indian hockey. The university has nurtured several players who have represented the country at the highest levels. The return of a national camp after decades underscores the university's commitment to reviving its role in hockey development.
Director of Sports Rakesh Malik welcomed the players and coaches. Gurcharan Singh Gill, associate professor at the Department of Physical Education, SGGS College, Sector 26, served as camp coordinator. Along with him, assistant coach Rajnish Mishra, physical trainer Damanpreet Singh, physiotherapist Sahil, and former international referee Rajender Gandhi were honoured on the occasion.
Support from university officials
The camp is expected to provide high-quality training facilities to the young athletes, preparing them for upcoming international competitions. The university administration has expressed full support for the camp, emphasizing the importance of nurturing grassroots talent.
This initiative aligns with Hockey India's efforts to decentralize training and tap into regional talent pools. By hosting the camp, Panjab University aims to strengthen its ties with the national hockey federation and contribute to the sport's growth in the region.
