In a forward-thinking step to bolster athlete welfare, Hockey India has dispatched additional support staff to the ongoing 15th Senior Men National Championship 2025, being held from April 4 to April 15 at the iconic Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh.
The support team includes a physiotherapist and a masseuse, aimed at ensuring optimal care for national team players participating in the high-stakes tournament.
This year’s championship has drawn significant attention, with 31 current Indian senior team players participating. Among the marquee names are Hardik Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Krishan B Pathak, Abhishek, Amit Rohidas, Sumit, Gurjant Singh, and Sanjay—players who are integral to India’s international campaigns.
Recognising the intensity of the domestic tournament and the physical toll it could take on players, Hockey India’s move ensures timely medical intervention and effective recovery for the athletes. The decision to add support staff was initiated last year as part of a broader strategy to align domestic competitions with international-level infrastructure and athlete care.
Indian men’s team coach Craig Fulton lauded the initiative, stating, “With the FIH Pro League coming up next, it’s vital that our athletes are managed properly. Having proper assessments and treatments in place allows us to avoid unnecessary risks and helps players recover quickly if they pick up any niggles. This kind of support makes a huge difference in maintaining high performance across both domestic and international tournaments.”
Echoing this sentiment, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey said, “The health and well-being of our players is paramount. With such a large number of national team players participating in the Senior Nationals, we felt it was our duty to provide the medical and recovery infrastructure they are accustomed to. This not only ensures their safety but also raises the standard of the competition. We are committed to supporting our athletes at every level.”
The enhanced support highlights Hockey India’s focus on not just competitive excellence but also long-term player health. As the championship continues to unfold in Jhansi, the presence of world-class players and upgraded support mechanisms is setting a new benchmark for domestic hockey tournaments in India.
