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. Coaches learned about being a key person for the children, and the boys and girls got the opportunity to play, have fun, and make friends for life through hockey.
- 62 dedicated coaches were trained.
- Training at more than 100 schools and communities.
- Over 6.000 boys and girls had regular training sessions with the coaches.
In and around Pune we hosted hockey festivals, each bringing together over 400 players from seven schools. Teams from the grassroots hockey program in Pune/PCMC participated in a range of tournaments. From local events in their district to a special trip to compete in Mumbai. Teams have won medals, and some players have even been selected for division-level competitions.
In Jharkhand, the Bovelander Foundation Community Grant saw a second project start with the planting of various fruit trees along the pitch of a grassroots hockey centre. Players from grassroots and RDC teams keep developing, with various players selected for academies. Working towards their goals, like Ashish Tani Putri. Ashish started in the grassroots programme in a small village in the rural Khunti district, and through our regional training centre and an academy in Khunti, he made it to the residential academy of the NTHA in Jamshedpur. Training and living there for over a year, with great success: Ashish will represent the Ranchi Royals in the prestigious Hockey India League upcoming January.
Coach exchange
We ensure coaches are trained by top players from the Dutch leagues on hockey techniques and tactics, and incorporate life skills. A special element within our coaching courses this year, was the exchange of two coaches from two different states. Despite language differences, they learned a lot and this exchange was a great success.
Suraj Kerketta, an experienced coach from Jharkhand, came to Pune as a co-trainer, where he supported newer coaches in navigating technical sessions. In return, Abhijit Gangawane, coach and project coordinator in Pune, travelled to Jharkhand to join the coaching course there. What he found there changed his perspective, not just on hockey, but on his role as a coach and leader:
“I used to focus mostly on coordinating school sessions. Now I see that my role must go beyond that. I need to support coaches, improve planning and help sessions run smoothly. This trip gave me the vision to grow into that leadership role.”
Bloemendaal Women team trip
The Bloemendaal Women Hockey Team had a very special trip: together to India. A once in a lifetime experience! A fully packed program in which they felt the diversity of India, made new hockey friends and got closer as a team. The team inspired women and girls, and was equally inspired by the women and girls they met.
The team engaged in grassroots hockey training, inspiring young players who had never dreamed of such an opportunity. They coached RDC kids, played matches against local coaches, and took part in a hockey festival in a packed stadium where the children’s cheers brought infectious energy. A fierce yet joyful match against Hockey Jharkhand Eleven (Women’s) was another highlight during this trip. A game that was more than competition; It was a celebration of unity and progress.
The impact of these days in Jharkhand and Pune rippled far beyond the pitch. This journey was never just about playing matches or training. It was about empowerment, cultural exchange, and showing that sport has the power to inspire, transform, and bring people together. It not only had a great impact on the children and coaches in India, but it was also a life-changing experience for the Bloemendaal women. It truly showed the bonding power of hockey and sport in general.
Thank you
The Bovelander Foundation relies on the generosity and support of those who believe in our mission. We are grateful to our (organizing) partners Bostik, CInI, Tata Realty, ARaymond, Nirman, WorldEmp, Rotary Clubs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and KNHB (Royal Dutch Hockey Federation) for their continuing support
A big thank you also to those who supported us through the Hockey for India school tournaments, the Bovelander Golf Event or the Netwerk event around the ProLeague match Netherlands – India. These wonderful days enabled us to achieve incredible milestones this year and helped us continue developing and educating children and coaches in India.
We are excited about upcoming hockey festivals, new coaching courses, and the continuation of the Bovelander Foundation Community Grant.
Thank you for being part of this journey and showing the world that “Hockey is more than just a game!”