Over the years, games like hockey, badminton and kabaddi have gained popularity. Speaking about hockey, the success story of the Indian hockey team dates back to 1928 when the team won its first gold medal in the Olympics. Glory aside, there were many challenges faced by the players. From buying shoes to getting proper coaching, players had to deal with various problems.
Today, the circumstances have changed and the government, as well as the common people, have realized the potential of the players. But, there is still a small section of the society which cannot afford to play hockey. In the past, many such talents have been lost due to lack of resources. However, at present, Jude Felix Hockey Academy (JFHA), Charitable Trust (Regd.) is selflessly working towards providing excellent coaching to the future hockey stars. This prestigious academy was started in the year 2009 and is being taken ahead by Olympians, former international and national players.
These visionaries are working towards the vision to cultivate the game of hockey amongst the underprivileged children of the nation while developing their talent and skills for the game. With the help of former hockey players, well-wishers and socially sensitive people, JFHA is passionate to make a social impact at grassroots by creating opportunities for children from vulnerable backgrounds.
JFHA focuses on delivering professional guidance so that the students enhance their game of hockey. The entire academy is solely managed by volunteers who take out their precious time to inculcate the skills into these students. Currently, JFHA has its training centre at the St Mary’s Orphanage Grounds, Bangalore, where it has developed a well-equipped hockey field, gym and administration facilities.
The Role Model
Jude Felix Sebastian is the Founder and President of the Jude Felix Hockey Academy. Jude is an Arjuna Awardee and a former captain of Indian Hockey Team. He has over 13 years of experience as an international hockey player and over 21 years of experience as a hockey coach. As a player, he has helped India in various international games and events. To name a few of his achievements as a coach, Jude has won a bronze medal in 7th Sultan Of Johar Cup, 2017 at Malaysia; Gold medal at 17th Asian Games, 2014 at Incheon and a silver medal at Common Wealth Games, Scotland in 2014.
Inculcating the Right Skills
Hockey is a game which requires precision and timing. Apart from this, there are a number of factors such as the player’s current level, their position, strengths, weaknesses and so on. This eventually makes or breaks the entire team. Hockey is a team game and it requires coordination between the players to win a match and JFHA ensures its students achieve success.
JFHA has one basic idea — teaching the right basics. Inculcating the basic skills at the start of the training helps the students retain the skills lifelong. The coaches at JFHA have tremendous skills, commitment and sensitivity towards this unique program. Through their dedication, JFHA has directly introduced and promoted hockey to over 3000 individuals including students, coaches, volunteers and veterans.
At JFHA, right, regular and purposeful practice is implemented. The training starts at 6:30 AM and ends at 8:30 AM and everyone follows this timing strictly. When it comes to preparing students for various competitions, JFHA focuses on grooming the students to represent the school, college, state and country.
Overall Skill Developments
The JFHA training program has transformed the young lives of its players, the community children and especially the underprivileged children of St. Mary’s orphanage. JFHA has been successful in conducting regular hockey training programs. The life-skills imparted during the course of training has empowered these children and made a difference in their day to day lives.
The nutritious diet, the sporting gear and the opportunity to participate in tournaments has improved their overall health, instilled confidence in themselves and has given them a sense of belonging. The JFHA players have grown and matured from not only participating in tournaments but also by winning championships and awards. This itself is testimony to the effectiveness of the training programs.
Feathers on the Hat
- Rajendra represented Racing Club France in the French National Elite League from Feb to May 2019.
- 4 boys and 4 girls represented the Karnataka State team at Junior and Senior levels.
- Winning various Local and All India Tournaments.
- Supporting the players in their education, career, livelihood and other requirements.
- Toilets for Girls has been built within the St Mary’s orphanage with funding from Ladies Circle, Round Table Bengaluru.
- Partnership with Olympians Association of India – 2018.
- Mr Jude Felix Coached the Indian Team Juniors for a period of 5 years from 2013 to 2019.
Giving Back to the Society
As JFHA is a non-profit organization, it fully works on the good-will of people who are associated with it. Various renowned players and experts volunteer with JFHA to provide hockey training to the orphanages and underprivileged children. The academy actively trains its students and motivates them to participate in local all India tournaments.
JFHA believes that there is a lot of talent present in this country, it just needs to be put into the correct usage. It envisions to be the best hockey training academy in India in the coming years.
To know more about JFHA, visit: www.jfha.in
