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It may seem like a routine age-group domestic hockey tournament happening in Bengaluru. Once you delve deep, you realize that it is not just any other domestic tourney. It is ‘not always that current and former Indian hockey players (both men and women) came together to sponsor’ some of the prizes of this event. The ongoing Andyz Sports Academy 5th JFHA Hockey Tournament at the KSHA Stadium in Bengaluru is one tournament with a difference.
Former Indian captain and Olympian Jude Felix is the founder of the Jude Felix Hockey Academy, which has roped in a title sponsor in Andyz Sports Academy for its 5th edition. No wonder, Felix’s stock as a player and coach has played a big role in these current and former Indian hockey players offering their sponsorship hand.
Former Indian goalkeeper and Olympian Adrian D’Souza has sponsored the best goalkeeper prize in the boys’ category, while former Indian midfielder and Olympic Gold Quest CEO Viren Rasquinha and injury-hit Indian striker Nikkin Thimmaiah have sponsored the midfielder and forward prizes. Another former goalie and captain Bharat Chetri, who had last led India at the 2012 London Olympic, is offering the best player of the tournament jersey in the boys’ category.
Former Indian women’s hockey goalkeeper Helen Mary has sponsored the goalkeeper prize of the girls’ event. Another former midfielder VS Vinaya has sponsored the midfielder prize, while the Indian women’s hockey team captain Ritu Rani has sponsored the best player of the tournament jersey in the girls’ category.
Indian drag-flicker Vokkaliga Raghunath has sponsored the defender prize in the academy boys’ category, while former forward Arjun Halappa has sponsored the midfielder prize with another former striker and Indian team assistant coach Tushar Khandker sponsoring the forward prize in this category. Indian team captain Sardar Singh has sponsored the best player of the tournament jersey in the boys’ academy category.
“It’s heartening to see that these current and former Indian men and women hockey players are coming forward to sponsor these prizes. These youngsters will get a big lift receiving these prizes sponsored by these big names,” says JFHA founder Jude Felix.
One hopes that more domestic events in the country witness such gestures from current and former Indian players.
