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 the game. Together with Erik-Jan van Tol she spent two weeks in Jharkhand: “When I boarded the plane for India, I knew I was in for a special experience, but nothing could have fully prepared me for the deep impact this journey would have on me, both personally and professionally.”
Hockey in the rain
“We landed right in the heart of monsoon season, and the rain welcomed us in full force. We drove to the hockey field where we met the group of local trainers and we jumped right into coaching hockey skills on the muddy pitch – soaking wet but smiling. Despite the downpour, our excitement couldn’t be washed away. Eventually, the rain became too much, and we moved inside to a small classroom from a local school. There, we shifted our focus to life skills and the values central to the Bovelander Foundation. We wrapped up the clinic and headed to a nearby house for lunch. This was my first home-cooked Indian meal. A rich and flavourful experience I’ll never forget. Sharing a meal in that humble home was an unexpected highlight and a moment of true cultural exchange.
The first three days remained wet, but we made the most of it. Indoors we focused on tactics and we sprinted outside to demonstrate whenever there was a dry spell. On the final day of this phase, we celebrated with a beautiful festival. Around 60 children joined us on the pitch, eager to play and learn. It was heartwarming to watch the local trainers apply the skills and tactics they had learned. The children’s joy, gratitude, and energy reminded me why sport is such a powerful tool for change.
New coach group
The next three-day course brought different conditions – sunshine and warmth. This time, we welcomed 25 new trainers from the surrounding Khunti region. With better weather, we could spend more time on the field, focusing on practical coaching. These sessions were lively, not just because of the eager trainers, but because of the unexpected visitors: goats and cows who wandered casually onto the pitch. It was a sight I’d never experienced anywhere else in the world!
Daily lunches were shared at the same venue, providing a chance to connect with the trainers beyond the pitch. Although most of them didn’t speak English, we still found ways to communicate: with gestures, smiles, and a shared love for hockey.
Highlights
One particularly memorable moment was visiting a small community to witness a grassroots training session. Here, hockey was played not on turf, but on sand and gravel. The passion was still there: strong, raw, and inspiring.
Another highlight was participating in a mango tree-planting ceremony at a local school, part of the community grant initiative, developed by the coaches themselves. We planted mango trees together, symbolising growth and a shared future. The ceremony was emotional and we were welcomed with open arms, and I felt deeply moved by the community’s generosity and spirit
Where Sport Meets Purpose
This journey with the Bovelander Foundation has been nothing short of life-changing. Being able to share my knowledge, connect with passionate trainers, and contribute to their development has humbled me. It reminded me of the importance of opportunity, community, and the small things we often take for granted.
What struck me most throughout this journey was the incredible impact the Bovelander Foundation is making. Through hockey, they’re not just developing players. They’re empowering people, opening doors, and building stronger communities. Their work is changing lives, creating opportunities, and inspiring a new generation of coaches and leaders.
India taught me more than I ever expected. And for that, I’m truly grateful.”
