KOLKATA: The Indian women's hockey team is leaving no stone unturned to prepare for future international competitions after their failure to qualify for the Paris Olympics last year, primarily due to their shortcomings in scoring from penalty corners. Under the guidance of coach Harendra Singh, the team is undertaking significant measures to refine their strategy and skills.
One of the key initiatives has been the biomechanical testing of the team's leading drag flickers, Deepika and Manisha Chauhan. This testing was conducted over three days at the Centre of Excellence in Biomechanics cum High-performance Centre for Sports, which is part of Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University, Chennai. Singh recognized the need for improvement and is ensuring his players receive comprehensive training to tackle weaknesses head-on.
“It will help us know what percentage of a muscle is being used during the drag flicks and (which are) the muscles not being utilized, and how we can make use of them,” Singh explained. This detailed analysis aims to work on the strength, conditioning, and injury prevention of the players.
Interestingly, Singh was inspired to introduce this systematic approach after observing javelin champion Neeraj Chopra’s training regimen at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Centre during 2021-22. This highlighted the importance of biomechanics, similar to what is necessary for effective drag flicks.
“When I saw Neeraj training, I realized the importance of biomechanics in hockey because, like javelin, they need to plant their left foot before making the throw,” Harendra detailed. He compared this to the drag flick process wherein the player’s foot placement significantly influences the shot’s velocity and accuracy. This holistic training approach has already shown promise.
Dr. Rajnikumar, the head of the Centre of Excellence, emphasized the detailed testing methods employed. “We used a 3D motion capture system integrated with force plates to gather data like angular velocity, stick velocity, and ball release speed,” he said. This extensive biomechanical analysis is probably among the most advanced setups within South Asia, allowing them to simulate different game scenarios and optimize their techniques accordingly.
Deepika and Manisha, who both participated in the tests, reflected positively on their experiences. Deepika remarked, “The experience was exciting, and we got to know how much power we have and where we are lacking.” She highlighted her learning about proper body positioning, acknowledging her height as requiring longer strides and enhanced flexibility. Likewise, Manisha mentioned, “I've learned many new things about my body position. Because I'm tall, I need to take longer steps and bend more.” The players are optimistic about these advancements as they gear up for significant tournaments next year.
Simultaneously, efforts to nurture talent on the grassroots level are evident with the Punjab Senior Women’s Hockey Team set to hold selection trials on February 7. These trials will pave the way for the upcoming 15th Hockey India Senior National Women’s Hockey Championship scheduled to take place from March 1 to 12 in Panchkula, Haryana.
Hockey Punjab president Nitin Kohli and general secretary Amrik Singh Powar have laid out the details, emphasizing the importance of participation exclusively by registered players from Punjab. “Players should bring their original Aadhaar cards during the selection trials. Without these, they will not be allowed to participate,” warned the officials. A coaching camp will follow for those who successfully secure spots on the team, offering them valuable training and preparation for the championship.
The initiatives by the coaching staff and governing bodies are steps toward not just improving the skills of existing players but also identifying new talent. Through rigorous training and strategic planning, the Indian women's hockey team hopes to emerge as competitive contenders on the global stage.