Bengaluru, Sep 8 (UNI) Indian Hockey player Amit Rohidas, hailing from Sundergarh in Odisha, expressed happiness over the increased attention on grassroot development of game in the state, stating that it will reap rich benefits in the future.
Last week during the National Sports Day celebrations in Bhubaneswar, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had expressed that the development of sports infrastructure and coaching facilities at the grassroots level was being done in an expeditious manner.
"I feel this is the right time to pursue sports in Odisha because the government is extremely forthcoming in developing grassroot programmes and by doing this, they are not only providing opportunities for budding athletes, but also for coaches,' said Rohidas.
'Making sports, particularly hockey compulsory in government and private schools, will be a game changer as traditionally, hockey is played mostly in Sundergarh and surrounding areas, but this initiative will help in further promoting and popularising the game," he added.
Amit also congratulated his compatriot from the women's team Deep Grace Ekka for being feted with the Biju Patnaik Sports Award and said that these timely awards will inspire many more youngsters to take up sports as a career.
"There was a time when people thought playing any sport other than cricket in India is a waste of time and one can't make a living by just playing sports. But that has changed tremendously in recent years and if you are good at sports you are assured of a job and also recognition," he said.
The Indian dragflicker, who is currently based in the Sports Authority of India, Bengaluru Centre for the ongoing National Camp, mentioned that he will be keenly following the European teams, when they resume the FIH Hockey Pro League, later this month.
"I will be closely watching the PC variations and defending tactics these teams will use. It will be interesting to see how they perform, as competitive hockey is restarting after more than five months," he said.
Known as a fearless first-rusher, Rohidas said he will be watching Belgian dragflick sensation Loick Luypaert closely.
"Belgium has a very good PC attack and they use conventional variations, but are very effective. They have quality dragflickers and Luypaert has done very well in the past. I will be curious to see his game in particular," stated Rohidas.
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