Nongpoh, Oct 7: Hockey Ri-Bhoi (HRB) organised a District-Level Advisory and Orientation Programme on the Hockey Outreach Programme for Empowering Sports (HOPES) at Nongpoh on Wednesday, with an aim to expand the reach of hockey and identify young talent across Ri-Bhoi district.
The programme was attended by Dr Abhishek Saini, Deputy Commissioner of Ri-Bhoi, as the chief guest. It was chaired by HRB vice-president Plielad Tiewsoh, while the association’s secretary and executive officer, Wanrishisha Pde, delivered the welcome address and spoke about hockey as a sport and the career opportunities it can offer young players.
During the programme, Hockey Ri-Bhoi outlined the objectives of its HOPES initiative, which seeks to popularise hockey in villages and schools across the district, particularly in rural areas. The programme will focus on identifying young talent and providing them with systematic coaching and opportunities to develop their skills.
The initiative also aims to build competitive boys’ and girls’ teams capable of representing Ri-Bhoi at the state and national levels, while using sport to promote fitness, discipline and a sense of unity among young people.
Dr Saini appreciated Hockey Ri-Bhoi’s initiative and assured the association of possible support from the district administration in promoting hockey across Ri-Bhoi. He also stressed the importance of engaging young people in sports activities as a means of keeping them away from drugs and other negative influences.
