Hockey India Launches Level 1 Coaching Course to Enhance Grassroots Development

Hockey India is set to enhance its coaching framework with the introduction of the Level '1' Coaching Course, aimed at improving technical standards at the grassroots level. Scheduled to take place in Coimbatore and Haridwar during May and June 2026, the course will open registration from May 13 to May 17. With over 600 coaches certified since 2019, this initiative reflects Hockey India's commitment to developing a robust domestic coaching ecosystem. The program emphasizes modern coaching methodologies and aims to ensure that young athletes receive top-notch mentorship. The course structure includes both online and face-to-face components, culminating in practical assessments. This expansion highlights Hockey India's dedication to reaching diverse regions and promoting gender equality in coaching roles.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 13, 2026, 17:01 IST

Hockey India Introduces New Coaching Course Schedule

New Delhi [India], May 13: In a bid to strengthen the domestic coaching framework and elevate technical standards at the grassroots level, Hockey India has unveiled the schedule for its Level '1' Coaching Course. This initiative aims to expand the program's reach across the nation.

The coaching sessions will take place in Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) and Haridwar (Uttarakhand) during May and June 2026. Registration for these courses opens today, May 13, and will close on May 17, as per the official announcement.

Since the program's launch, from 2019 to 2026, over 600 coaches have been certified, showcasing the significant impact of Hockey India's structured coaching framework on developing a robust domestic talent pool.

This program offers a streamlined educational pathway for coaches, guiding them from grassroots levels to high-performance and international standards.

Rani, an FIH Academy Level 3 Certified Coach, emphasized the importance of this transition from player to coach, stating, "The Hockey India Coaching Education Pathway has been crucial in my development. It provided me with a comprehensive understanding of modern coaching techniques, tactical planning, and athlete management."

She further noted, "This framework is transformative for our domestic ecosystem, ensuring that coaches nationwide share a common technical language. In my role with the sub-junior team, I witness how these advanced concepts enhance the growth of our young athletes, preparing them for elite competition."

Data from the pathway indicates the essential support it has provided across all levels of the sport.

The current statistics of certified coaches are as follows:

* Hockey India Level '1' Certified Coaches: 337

* Hockey India Level '2' Certified Coaches: 54

* FIH Academy Level '1' Certified Coaches: 80

* FIH Academy Level '2' Certified Coaches: 57

* FIH Academy Level '3' Certified Coaches: 74

* FIH Academy Level '4' Certified Coaches: 4

Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey commented on the growth of the coaching ecosystem, stating, "A strong domestic coaching structure is fundamental for any top-tier sporting nation. Surpassing 600 certified coaches aligns with our vision to make Indian hockey self-sufficient and technically proficient from the grassroots level. By equipping our coaches with contemporary methodologies, we ensure that the next generation of athletes receives the best mentorship from the start."

Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh added, "The expansion of the Coaching Education Pathway into regions like Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand underscores our commitment to reach every part of the country. We take pride in our focus on gender equality and the transition of our international athletes into coaching roles. This structured approach ensures that the extensive tactical knowledge of our seasoned professionals is effectively integrated back into Indian hockey."

Pathway Structure and Course Progression

The comprehensive coaching roadmap consists of seven levels: HI Level 'Basic', HI Level '1', HI Level '2', FIH Level 1, FIH Level 2, FIH Level 3, and FIH Academy High Performance.

The program includes a mix of online modules and in-person interactive courses, supported by a competency-based assessment process. Candidates must complete both face-to-face and online assignments at each level to progress.

The upcoming Level '1' course includes an eight-hour practical assessment where participants will coach a team. Certification is granted upon successful completion of online modules, assignments, and in-person interactive sessions.

Those who complete the basic and intermediate domestic levels will be eligible to enroll in official FIH Academy coaching courses.

Course Schedule and Locations

Applications for the May/June 2026 intake are now open and will close on May 17, 2026, at 17:00 hrs.

The face-to-face interactive courses will follow this schedule:

* Batch 1: May 27 to May 29, 2026, in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

* Batch 2: May 29 to May 31, 2026, in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

* Batch 3: June 4 to June 6, 2026, in Haridwar, Uttarakhand

* Batch 4: June 6 to June 8, 2026, in Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Eligibility Criteria and Selection Guidelines

Enrollment for the Level '1' Coaching Course requires specific criteria to ensure quality:

Prerequisite: Candidates must have completed the Hockey India Level 'Basic' Coaching Course.

Communication & Hardware: Candidates should be proficient in English and must bring a personal laptop, iPad, or computer to complete all assignments.

Selection Process: Enrollment will be on a first-come, first-served basis, with core preferences including:

Elite Experience: Preference will be given to athletes and coaches with experience in the Olympic Games, Senior World Cup, Junior World Cup, or Continental Events sanctioned by AHF/FIH, provided they meet the basic course prerequisite.

Gender Equality: To promote equal representation, preference will be given to women candidates, subject to meeting the basic course prerequisite.