Back in 2017, Praful Tirkey took his first steps as hockey coach. He started in our grassroots program in Jharkhand, and a year later he started with the new Naval Tata Hockey Academy (NTHA) in Jamshedpur. Now he is a renowned coach, recognized for his impactful work with elite youth programs and state-level teams in … Continue reading Praful Tirkey: from coaching grassroots to Hockey India League
This month in Khunti, Jharkhand, we officially launched the Bovelander Foundation Community Grant Program, powered by Bostik. Through the Community Grant we invite coaches to pitch proposals addressing community needs. The event was a celebration of the launch, and also an important milestone for the coaches. After all the planning and preparations, they confidently presented … Continue reading Community Grant Program – Launch Event
We are proud to share our new logo. A new logo, developed and designed in India, that reflects what our hockey program stands for. Our mission remains the same: empowering children and young adults through the power of sport. Pick up your stick! The hockey stick and rising sun as the radiant centerpiece, surrounded by … Continue reading New logo to reinforce our mission
Before the exam period and school holidays, students in Daund district (Pune) came together for an exciting day of 8-a-side hockey. Almost 200 kids from eight schools, divided into 16 teams, made for two vibrant and energetic tournament days. Celebration and competition The schools were divided over two days. As to good Indian custom, the … Continue reading Teamwork and competition: students enjoy 8-a-side tournament in Daund
To prepare coaches for this year’s Community Grants we organised an inspiring workshop week in Khunti. Hosted in cooperation with CInI – Collectives for Integrated Livelihood Initiatives, the week combined practical hockey sessions with hands-on project management training. The program was led by Sterre Bregman, Jasper Brinkman and Merel van Amerongen. From hockey pitch to … Continue reading Community Grants – workshop week in Khunti
We are proud to share the energy of our third Hockey Festival in Pune/PCMC, organised in close cooperation with ARaymond India and Nirman. With the presence of two Dutch national level hockey players, this latest festival marks another year of impact in our grassroots hockey journey in Maharashtra. Building on the enthusiasm and progress over … Continue reading Celebrating growth, skills and team spirit – Pune Hockey Festival
We believe that hockey is more than just a game. Tanuja is an example of that. Before joining the grassroots hockey sessions, Tanuja had never heard of hockey. Today, the sport gives her focus, confidence, and the courage to dream of becoming a doctor. In 2024 we had the opportunity to introduce hockey at schools … Continue reading Tanuja’s video
Before joining the Bovelander Foundation, Tanuja had never heard of hockey. In her village, opportunities for girls to participate in sport are limited. Daily life revolved around school and household responsibilities. Sport, especially a structured team sport like hockey, simply wasn’t part of the picture. Today, that picture looks very different. More than a game … Continue reading From first hit to future dreams: Tanuja’s story
As the the year comes to an end, we look back with great pride on a highly successful year in which hockey once again proved to be a powerful tool for development and joy. The impact truly speaks for itself. Reach and impact Our projects in Pune and Jharkhand continue to be a great success. … Continue reading Highlights of 2025
Our recent coaching courses took a new dimension with an exchange program. The initiative brought Suraj Kerketta, an experienced coach from our program in Jharkhand, to Pune as a co-trainer. In return Abhijit Gangawane, program coordinator in Pune, joined the coaching course in Khunti, Jharkhand. What he found there changed his perspective, not just on hockey, … Continue reading Bridging skills and inspiring leadership: Abhijit’s experience in Jharkhand
We are thrilled to have international hockey star Dirkie Chamberlain as instructor on our recent coaching courses in Khunti, Jharkhand. With over a decade of experience representing South Africa on the world stage – including appearances at the Olympics, World Cups, and Commonwealth Games – Dirkie brings a wealth of knowledge, energy, and passion for … Continue reading Impact and connection: Dirkie Chamberlain as course instructor
Around the Pro League match between the Netherlands and India, together we held our networking event at the Wagener Stadium. In collaboration with the KNHB and Rabobank, we hosted an inspiring program where sport and social impact came together. Three remarkable speakers shared their stories and visions. After a warm welcome from KNHB Director Erik Gerritsen, we heard from … Continue reading Pro League event with KNHB and Rabobank
