UP Rudras Grassroots Hockey Clinic Concludes Successfully Across Lucknow and Varanasi
Varanasi, July 2, 2025: The UP Rudras Grassroots Hockey Clinic, an initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing young hockey talent in Uttar Pradesh, concluded today after a high-impact series of sessions held in Lucknow (June 26–28) and Varanasi (June 30–July 2).
Over six days, the clinic engaged 150 young players — 70 in Lucknow and 80 in Varanasi — along with several regional coaches. The program focused on foundational skills, game awareness, and performance-driven training, while inspiring young athletes from Tier 2 and Tier 3 regions to dream bigger in sport.
The sessions were led by Mr. Cedric D’Souza, Technical Director, UP Rudras and former National Coach, who brought his experience and structure to elevate the level of coaching and mentorship delivered.
“At the grassroots, it’s not just about technique—it’s about planting belief. The enthusiasm and raw talent we’ve witnessed in both cities are clear indicators of Uttar Pradesh’s potential to become a hockey powerhouse,” said Mr. Cedric D’Souza.
The clinic was designed not only for players but also included dedicated modules for regional coaches, helping align grassroots training methods with national and international standards.
The closing ceremony in Varanasi was graced by Ms. Vimala Singh, Regional Sports Officer, who expressed her appreciation for the initiative:
“It’s heartening to see such structured efforts coming to our region. The clinic offered a valuable platform for young players and coaches alike. Initiatives like these can truly transform the hockey landscape of Uttar Pradesh.”
Adding to the excitement, Mr. Lalit Upadhyay, 3-time Olympian and international hockey star, joined the Varanasi sessions and interacted with the young athletes.
“Being here and seeing the kind of effort going into nurturing talent at the grassroots is truly special. I see the hunger and spark in these kids—it reminds me of where I started,” said Mr. Upadhyay, who hails from Varanasi himself.
“The energy and potential we’ve seen in these young athletes is deeply encouraging. This initiative reaffirms UP Rudras’ commitment to building a strong pipeline for Indian hockey, right from the grassroots,” said Mr. Sukvinder Singh, Head of Sports, UP Rudras.
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