New Delhi [India], June 3 (HBTV): More than 100 Indian hockey players have enrolled in educational courses with Amity University Online, aiming to secure their futures beyond sport and be part of a holistic development programme, as per a Hockey India press release.

Among the top names to have signed up are Indian Women’s Hockey Team goalkeeper Savita, Indian Men’s Hockey Team captain Harmanpreet Singh, and veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh. Players from both the Indian Junior and Senior Hockey Teams have taken up various academic programmes.

In May, Hockey India and Amity University Online (AUO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to reshape the future of Indian athletes by providing comprehensive educational opportunities to hockey players at international, national, and state levels. The MoU was signed on May 20, observed nationwide as Hockey Day to commemorate a century of hockey excellence in India.

From the Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team, 12 players have registered for educational courses, with eight opting for Bachelor of Arts programmes and the remainder for Sports Psychology.

Within the Indian Women’s Hockey Team squad, 39 athletes have enrolled in various programmes. Goalkeeper Savita has chosen an MBA, forward Lalremsiami is pursuing an MA in Psychology, and young player Beauty Dung Dung has enrolled in Sports Psychology. Among the 39 players, three opted for a Bachelor of Arts, seven for a BBA, and one for an MA in Journalism and Mass Communication. The most popular courses among the group were the MBA and Sports Psychology, selected by 13 and 14 players, respectively.

The Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team also responded enthusiastically, with 32 players signing up for further education. Mohammad Konain Dad is the only player to have chosen B.Com, while seven selected a Bachelor of Arts degree, two signed on for a Master of Arts, and 22 opted for Sports Psychology.

The Indian Men’s Hockey Team had 36 players enrol for higher education. Among them, captain Harmanpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Manpreet Singh, and Hardik Singh are part of the 17 players who selected an MBA course. Six players opted for Bachelor of Arts programmes, while 13 chose Sports Psychology.

Speaking on the initiative, Savita said, as quoted in the Hockey India press release, ‘This is a fantastic initiative by Hockey India and Amity University, as it gives us athletes more opportunities after our playing careers are over. I have decided to go in with an MBA, and it is very encouraging to see that so many fellow players are also keen on higher education.’

Indian Men’s Hockey Team captain Harmanpreet Singh said, ‘Every athlete can only play till a certain point in life, but after that, there is a lot of time in our lives. An initiative like this by Hockey India and Amity University is very much appreciated, as it helps us think along the lines of a future beyond our playing days. An MBA will be a very intense course, but I am looking forward to balancing playing and academics once again.’

Lalremsiami, the only player from the Indian Women’s Hockey Team to pursue an MA in Psychology, said, ‘It is very important for us athletes to complete our education as soon as we can because our playing careers make it hectic for us. Amity University is very well known, and their robust educational modules will surely help us athletes do well in the future. I am grateful to Hockey India and Amity University for this opportunity.’

Manpreet Singh said, ‘When we are coming through the age-group teams and going through the ranks, our playing career takes priority while matters such as education can take a bit of a back seat. However, that is important, and I am glad we are getting this opportunity now to complete this with the support of one of the best universities in the country. I am sure this initiative by Hockey India and Amity University will also tell younger athletes that you can balance it all out.’

(ANI)