LUDHIANA, Dec 16 — "Class players can not be created overnight, they should be caught young and trained, only then we can expect good results from them’’, says former captain of the Indian hockey team, Cedric D' souza.
He was here in connection with the FARMTRAC Hockey Cup. While talking to Ludhiana Tribune he said, ‘‘In our country, the only way to boost hockey potential is to identify talent at a young age and to impart essential training to it. Young players need proper facilities, balanced diet, equipments of international standard and the most important a competent coach’’.
‘‘Coaching is an art’’ says D' souza, who is also Executive Director of the Indian Hockey Federation (Coaching and Training). He also imparts training to young players at the Escort Romesh Chander Academy, Jalandhar.
He believes the players should be trained physically and mentally. ‘Thinking players’ can produce good results for the country. Mere Physical training can not do miracles. Upcoming player should be made psychologically fit to face any challenge.
He said a player should be given a chance to play without any fear of punishment for minor mistakes. He said, "let the players make mistakes, because this is the only way to learn. Every player is willing to give his best, the need is to identify the degree of zeal to perform in a particular player." Young talent need motivation and stimulation. The coach should make a player feel that he is an important part of the team. This will develop a sense of responsibility in players, he said.
He stressed the need of international exposure. ‘‘We should organise exhibition matches with foreign teams from time to time. It will prepare our players psychologically’’, he said.
D' souza said he chose Punjab to launch a talent hunt, because of the prevailing hockey culture in the state.
