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 Odisha and Jharkhand. With a major milestone this year: Assistant Coach in the Hockey India League. We had a call with Praful about his coaching journey.
Life defined by hockey
Growing up with seven brothers who all played hockey, Praful’s childhood felt like one continuous hockey match. He fondly remembers coming home from school and immediately grabbing a stick to head back outside and play. With brothers having played national level, and two at international level for the India national team, hockey is a way of life. After many years of playing hockey, his path brought Praful to coaching:
“I was a hockey player but due to some injuries I left hockey and focused on education. Inspired by my brothers I wanted to work in hockey and went for sports course. I completed my coaching course at NIS – National Institute of Sports in Bangalore. Then I joined the grassroots program through CInI.”
Starting at grassroots
The start of Praful’s coaching in our program with CInI, was at the time the program itself was starting:
“I didn’t have that much of coaching experience. I was getting support from Floris and CInI but those days were very difficult for me cause I was working as coach alone. So it was great adventure for me as well as learning experience.”
Praful is proud of his start, and his contribution to the program transforming into the thriving initiative it is today:
“In the beginning it was not too much that we got the results. But there was a passion from the kids that led today to develop many things. I hear that many boys have joined in academies or state hostels through CInI grassroots centers. So it’s really a pleasure for me that I was the first one with you guys to work there and now I see there were great developments, great improvements coaches have done. I feel proud for them.”
He speaks with gratitude about the mentorship through the Bovelander Foundation early on:
“For me, I can’t describe that if Floris was not with me, I think it would be completely different situation for me. Nowadays it’s modern hockey and it’s very difficult to learn. Advanced basic skills, and the tactical parts. Especially when we were working with Lennard and Warner. Always it was learning for me to see the structured way, structured hockey played today. All those things I have learned from you all. So it’s hats off to you.”
To elite academies
A year after the grassroots program started, the Naval Tata Hockey Academy in Jamshedpur opened, part of the 3-layered strategy for the hockey program. As Bovelander Foundation we were the technical partner and in charge of the Technical Directors and top trainers from the Netherlands staying at the academy those first years. Also here, Praful joined from the very beginning and had the position of Head Coach. While his initial goal was simply to be a great hockey coach, he has far exceeded that ambition. After three years in NTHA Jamshedpur, Praful moved to Odisha. Currently he continues to shape the future of the sport as he works as Senior Coach for the Sports & Youth Services Department, Govertnment of Odisha. With a major milestone for Praful this year: being Assistant Coach in the Hockey India League. Part of the staff of Ranchi Royals, the team secured 2nd place. Praful things his time at Jamshedpur NTHA has been a key position in getting here:
“We were in India not too much taught in details. But when I was working with the colleagues – Erik came with us, Lennard was there, Warner, Sjoerd. So I worked with them, they were from experienced teams. Every day we had a discussion as it was a structured training we were doing in Jamshedpur. Without preparation no training. So always they were giving me the task: ‘Praful, tomorrow you have to do the session. How are you designing the session?’ So I worked hard, had to show them the drills I’m going to do. Whether with ball or without ball drill. Turnover drill, press, or out letting. There were many thing so every day I was learning new things. And those things have helped me to today. I am able to explain in front of professionals like Tom Boon and Jack Welch, these many international players. And I had great chat with them recently in franchise (Hockey India League, red.). So had I not learned those things there, it would have been difficult for me.”
Vision for the future
When asked about his success, Praful remains humble. His primary focus is still just “being a great coach.” His philosophy centers on a holistic approach, where he has discovered that mental toughness is just as vital as physical strength. For Praful, coaching is about more than teaching technical maneuvers; it is about imparting essential life skills.
Praful notes that hockey is becoming increasingly prominent in India, with facilities improving significantly in key states – a development for which he is deeply grateful. However, coaching grassroots in smaller villages still presents hurdles. Many parents prioritize traditional schooling over sports, and children are often pulled away for other obligations. Despite this, Praful is convinced that hockey offers invaluable life lessons and instills focus, structure, and self-confidence, all of which are essential for a child’s development.
We are proud of Praful’s development, and the contribution we had – but his achievements are his. He is a hard worker and a lifelong learner who constantly strives to improve. Praful continues to dream big. His ultimate goal being to coach the national team. We sure hope that one day we can watch Praful in action in the Netherlands as the Head Coach leading India against the Dutch.