England Hockey players share their skills with Odisha school kids
The England team are in Bhubaneshwar to compete in the Men’s Hockey World Cup tournament.
Players and coaching officials of the England National Hockey team visited Sai International School in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha to meet and play hockey with children from various backgrounds. The England players discussed both the game and their lives and backgrounds with the school students.
The England Hockey Team gave a display of their training methods and wowed the kids with their drilling skills. In a friendly play they also gave invaluable tips to the budding players about the hit, push, flick, slap and backhand strokes.
All the students who got the chance to meet and interact with the England squad were enthusiastic about the Hockey World Cup in their city. Students also participated in a quiz.
The British Deputy Head of Mission Kolkata, Shahida Khan welcomed the England Team’s community outreach program in Bhubaneshwar and said:
I am delighted that the England Hockey players have taken time out from their busy schedule to meet with young fans. Sport is a wonderful way to empower and bring people together.
There is so much enthusiasm in Odisha about the Hockey World Cup. I am sure through this interaction with the England Hockey players, the children here today will feel more confident about themselves and their game. It’s also great to see local support for the England Team.
The Head Girl of SAI International School, Shivangi Sharma, Std. XI said:
We are really excited and feel privileged to host the England Hockey team. We are honoured to have the entire team with us. Our sports enthusiasts also learnt some techniques of the game while playing the friendly match.
The England team is also one of our honourable state guests. We are thankful to the British Deputy High Commission Kolkata for having given us this opportunity to host them.
Dr. Ed Barney, Performance Director, England Hockey said:
We can’t wait to prepare for the matches, compete, enjoy the local Odisha culture and relish every moment. We have an exciting squad of players who bring a huge wealth and depth of experience as well as a number of younger players who are newer to the squad and will bring exuberance, excitement and passion to our trip. As part of our trip we are absolutely delighted to be visiting SAI International School.
Visiting the school has given our players (and staff) the opportunity to see a little more of Bhubaneswar, learn more about local culture and share some insights about England and life as an international hockey player. The visit was inspiring, educational and insightful for players and the students. It is such a fantastic opportunity for us to see, look, learn and experience a little more in Odisha.
Dr. Bijoy K Sahoo, Chairman, SAI International, Bhubaneswar said:
We are indeed privileged to get the opportunity of hosting the England Hockey Team. All the members of SAI are excited to extend a warm and cheerful welcome to the players of the England Hockey Team. They are not only our guests but also honourable guests of our state and the country. As we say Atithi Devo Bhaba which means our guests are like God for us. This visit is going to boost up the spirit of all our budding sports boys and girls who have keen interest in several sports and Hockey is one of their favourites.
The Men’s Hockey World Cup tournament being held in Bhubaneswar is a great honour for all of us. I am sure having the company of the players of England will be a memorable experience for all our students and staff members. We had earlier hosted the British cricket team in our school with great jubilation and spirit.
Media
For media information, please contact:
Amit Sengupta
Head of Communications – East & Northeast India
British Deputy High Commission | 1A, Ho Chi Minh Sarani | Kolkata 700071
Mail to: Amit Sengupta
Swarnamayee Satapathy
British Information Centre
Dr. HKM State Library, Bhubhaneshwar
Email: Swarnamayee Satapathy
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