Learning from the Masters: How to Get Your Child Started With Hockey

Indian hockey has seen many up and downs -- from staying unbeaten in the Olympics between 1928 and 1956. The national game of the country needs to get its pride of place among the international teams and for this to happen, new talent has to emerge.

That is why schools should make sports a part of the curriculum, says hockey champion Sardar Singh, who has won many laurels for the country.

Children need to give a lot of importance to hard work and dedication to excel in hockey, add Singh.

Here are excerpts from ParentCircle's exclusive interview with one of the youngest hockey players to captain India, Sardar Singh.

Q.You have been nominated for the Khel Ratna award. It must be a very proud moment for your family.

It is a very high-ranking award in India and that is why it is a great honor to receive this award. I would like to thank the Sports Ministry and all the others concerned, who thought that I deserve this honor. `I am feeling very happy and my family is also very happy about the award.

Q. Olympic medal coming soon? How close do you think India is to win an Olympic medal?

Yes, in the last 3-4 years, the hockey team has been giving good results. I am sure that if we continue our hard work, we will definitely bring home the Olympic medal.

Q. You became the youngest player to captain India. Did leadership skills come naturally to you or you picked them up while playing hockey?

There are many little things that have brought me so far and one of them is playing for the Naamdhari team earlier. Even then, there was a dedication to winning the match. I was also fortunate to play with noted players like Dilip Bhai and Dhanraj Bhai, and have learned a lot from them.

Q.In your own words, On the day when one feels implicit, of what importance is dedication for a professional at that time?

It is very important, that is why today I am still able to continue my passion and my game.

Q.You have seen many ups and downs as an Indian hockey player. You lost your captaincy because of controversies. How important is parental support when you face issues? 

We all face ups and downs in life but it is because of my family support in every phase of my life that I have managed to cope. They asked me to leave the pressure at home and focus on my game. My friends were also very supportive. When you dont have any negative influences or thoughts nearby than you have a better chance to perform well and you always go up. So I would like to thanks my friends, family, coaches, and hockey lovers who supported me a lot. My target is to bring more laurels and medals to the country.

Q. What is the right age for a child to start playing hockey? How do we understand that a child is interested in hockey?

According to me and from what I have seen while playing for foreign leagues, 8-9 years of age is the best time for a child to start. We need to check the interest of the child and only parents will be able to tell that because they are the first coach for any player.

Q. Wins and losses are a part of the sport. How can one teach a child to cope with disappointments?

Winning and losing come naturally in everyone's life but it is important how you overcome these situations. Focus on giving your best and believe in yourself. The Almighty God is with you and one day you will get what you want in your life.

Q.What kind of role players and mentors need to play in shaping the career of a young hockey player?

They play an important role, as they are the ones who help in shaping the career of junior players. So many young players come to me and I only say to them, just keep working hard and one day you will achieve your target.

Q. Do parents need to dedicate a lot of time and effort for the child? Or should they leave it to the coach?

The effort has to come from both parents and coaches, as a player spends 5-7 hours on the field and rest at home.

Q. Should Physical Education classes in schools focus on multiple sports, instead of just running and drills?

Yes, I would say that sport is also education and in the last few years, sports is coming up in a big way. This is the new trend in the country and hopefully, it will continue.

Q. What should the child do to gain stamina for a physically demanding sport like hockey? What are the diet requirements? Can a vegetarian become a hockey player at the highest level?

Vegetarians can become hockey players. You have to eat good organic food, which has high protein.

Q. Hockey is a team sport. How can we teach the child to be a team player?

Initially, it is tough. Individually, you may put in a lot of hard work but you will get the result only by working as a team. Especially in hockey, where there are 16-18 players and everyone has a different mindset. It is hard work that counts. But, you get to learn a lot as a team and when there are ups and downs, you cope together as a team.

Q. Your message for all the children who want to take up hockey. 

My message is that there is no shortcut to becoming a good hockey player. You need to focus and work hard, and God will take you to your desired destination.

Q. ParentCircle is a magazine imparting an important message sports is an important way of life. What's your message for the readers of ParentCircle?

My message to all parents is that they need to support their children in all obstacles and motivate them to do well.