New Delhi: This past weekend, Shivaji Stadium in Delhi played host to the first Hero Hockey Clinic for Sub-Junior players - a landmark initiative by the World's largest two wheeler motorcycle manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp, with technical assistance from International Hockey Federation (FIH). The clinic really struck a chord with the children, some of whom had the opportunity to play on a world-class pitch for the first time.

The clinic was aimed at honing the skills of budding Indian hockey players, and also allowed them to interact one-on-one with elite hockey players. A total of 50 young players (26 boys, 24 girls) attended the clinic, where they were taught key drills for the first part of the clinic on each day, and then practiced those drills during live match play.

Hockey India’s Gurmail Singh and Affan Yousuf along with Tom Morris and Will Byas of England Hockey interacted with the kids with enthusiasm, and shared their knowledge on Day 1.

On day 2, leading Indian junior hockey and Hero Hockey India League stars Ramandeep Singh and Amit Rohidas themselves taught the attendees dribbling and penalty corner drills. Coaches from England Hockey assisted them, making it a truly international-standard training camp.

Matches were particularly exciting as the sides were mixed with both girls and boys playing on the same team. The kids had a great day under the sun as they learnt critical nuances of the game from these national and international players.

The 2-day Hero Hockey Clinic was devised by FIH and implemented by the FIH-appointed head coach, Dr. Ajay Kumar Bansal, a Dronocharya award winner. The children who attended were a part of the Jawaharlal Nehru - NDMC Academy set-up by Mr. Kukoo Walia, one of Indian Hockey’s great benefactors.

Top quality medical assistance at the clinic was also available to the children, with Rockland Hospitals providing all necessary services.

The children were given a certificate of participation, autographed posters of the players along with tickets for the Hero Hockey Junior World Cup to be held in Delhi from Dec 5, 2013.