Lucknow — In a major initiative aimed at reviving hockey at the grassroots level in Uttar Pradesh, UP Rudras in collaboration with Yadu Sports inaugurated the UP Rudras Grassroots Hockey Clinic at the prestigious Padma Shri Mohammad Shahid Hockey Stadium in Lucknow.
The clinic aims to identify and nurture young hockey talent across the state and rekindle passion for the sport in small towns and cities. It marks a significant step toward developing a sustainable, high-performance hockey ecosystem in Uttar Pradesh.
The event was graced by R.P. Singh, Director of Sports, Government of Uttar Pradesh, who attended as the chief guest. Also present was Sukhwinder Singh, Head of Sports at UP Rudras.
“Our vision goes beyond infrastructure,” said Sukhwinder Singh. “We want to reignite the hockey spirit in Uttar Pradesh. There are hidden gems in our towns and cities. With continuous effort and expert mentorship, we aim to transform them into future stars of Indian hockey. This initiative will help build a vibrant hockey culture in the state.”
R.P. Singh lauded the initiative, stating, “I commend the UP Rudras team for their commitment to promoting hockey not just in Uttar Pradesh but across India. Their engagement is a strong example of how private sector involvement can successfully support public sports initiatives. Clinics like these play a vital role in identifying and grooming grassroots-level talent.”
Technical Director of UP Rudras and former national coach, Cedric D’Souza, expressed his appreciation, saying, “I am grateful to be part of UP Rudras’s effort to boost grassroots hockey in the state. The Singhania family’s initiative will inspire coaches and players alike, and lay the foundation for long-term development.”
Two-Phase Grassroots Program
The clinic will be conducted in two phases:
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Lucknow: June 26–28, 2025
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Varanasi: June 30–July 2, 2025
Led by Cedric D’Souza, the clinic will feature five structured sessions in each city. These sessions will provide both players and coaches with advanced technical training and mentoring, with the goal of building a lasting and performance-oriented hockey environment in the region. The UP Rudras Grassroots Hockey Clinic promises to be a game-changer in the state’s sporting landscape, nurturing young talent and fueling India’s aspirations for international hockey glory.
