Hockey India Bolsters Player Welfare with Extra Medical Staff at Senior Men National Championship 2025

In a significant move to safeguard athlete well-being, Hockey India has deployed additional support staff, including a physiotherapist and a masseuse, to the 15th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2025, currently taking place in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. This strategic step aims to ensure that participating players—especially members of the national squad—receive timely medical attention and recovery support throughout the tournament.

The decision, which was finalized last year, reflects Hockey India’s broader vision of building a robust athlete support system, both at the domestic and international levels. The championship, which runs from April 4 to April 15 at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium, features 30 teams competing across three divisions—A, B, and C—with a newly introduced promotion and relegation format that ups the stakes for every fixture.

National Team Stars in Action

This year’s tournament boasts the participation of 31 Indian Men’s Hockey Team players, including key names like Hardik Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Krishan B Pathak, Abhishek, Amit Rohidas, Sumit, Gurjant Singh, and Sanjay. Given the high intensity and demanding schedule of the event, Hockey India’s move ensures that national players—accustomed to a professional setup—are not left without critical recovery support.

Expert Endorsements

Craig Fulton, Chief Coach of the Indian Men’s Hockey Team, welcomed the initiative, stating,

“It’s a critical step by Hockey India. Most local teams don’t have dedicated physios or medical staff, but our national players are used to a professional setup. The goal is to prevent injuries and ensure peak performance, especially with the FIH Pro League approaching. Quick access to assessments and treatment makes a huge difference.”

Dr. Dilip Tirkey, President of Hockey India, emphasized the organization’s commitment:

“The health and well-being of our players is paramount. With so many national players in the Senior Nationals, we felt it was our duty to provide medical and recovery infrastructure. This not only ensures player safety but also elevates the quality of the competition.”

Shri Bhola Nath Singh, Secretary General of Hockey India, added,

“This decision was carefully planned to maintain continuity in player care. It’s an investment in both their future and the future of Indian hockey. The Senior Nationals are a crucial part of our calendar, and we’re proud to support the players in every way possible.”

Raising the Bar in Domestic Hockey

With an upgraded structure and emphasis on athlete support and performance management, the 2025 edition of the Senior Men National Championship stands as a model for future domestic tournaments. The inclusion of professional support services at this level demonstrates Hockey India’s drive to standardize elite care across all competitions.

As the tournament heads into its final week, the combination of top-tier talent, intense competition, and enhanced player welfare measures promises a strong finish and a brighter future for Indian hockey.