Mumbai: Budding hockey players from Mumbai had a gala time when over 100 kids got a chance to not only interact with some of the world’s biggest stars but also showcase their skills 
during a clinic organised by Hero Hockey India League outfit Dabang Mumbai along with Holland’s Hockey Club Bloemendaal.
Thursday’s clinic and a workshop for coaches working at the grass-root level was part of the ‘Technical Alliance’ the two teams have forged to develop hockey in Maharashtra, Goa and Gujarat.
Dabang Mumbai, owned by DoIT Sports Management, is making their maiden appearance in HIL this season and had already made it clear that the team would be looking to invest in development of sport and building a strong grassroot infrastructure.
Bloemendal is one of the oldest club in Dutch League and represent likes of penalty corner specialist Floris Jan Bovelander and Teun De Nooijer who are associated with the club. The two would coach junior players and coaches twice a year as part of the alliance
Announcing the tie-up at a media interaction here, DoIT Sports Management Director Radha Kapoor said,“The idea of participating in HHIL is also to be a vehicle for development of the 
sport in the catchment area in the coming time. I am happy that we have forged a partnership with HC Bloemendaal and are looking forward to create a concrete plan for grass-root development.”
Bovelander expressed happiness for getting a chance to contribute to Indian hockey and specially the grassroot segment, said “I am happy to be in India and would love to interact with the kids and junior players and work closely with the coaches.”
Dabang Mumbai team mentor Viren Rasquinha explained: “Bovelander and de Nooijer have already conducted a special clinic for coaches attached to Mumbai schools, followed by a clinic for kids where the entire Dabang Mumbai team was present. Twice a year during our vacations, the Bloemendaal team will come to work with our kids and coaches, starting with Mumbai and spreading to the three states falling in our catchment area.”
Source : Lokesh Shastri
