V.R. Ragunath believes the emergence of younger players giving the sport a fresh impetus.
| Photo Credit: R. RAGU
Former India captain and two-time Olympian V.R. Raghunath believes domestic hockey has evolved considerably since his early playing days, with improved awareness of the game, greater pace, and the emergence of younger players giving the sport a fresh impetus.
“The pace has evolved. People are much more aware of the game, and the younger teams are much better,” said the 37-year-old, who captains Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) in the 97th All-India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup hockey tournament here.
“Railways is very good, Air Force is very good, and so are the Navy and BPCL. They are bringing in new appointments, offering scholarships and recruiting new players. Young blood is coming in, and that is why the game is getting faster. The players are aware of the game. It is much better,” he added.
Raghunath also credited social media, as well as live telecasts and streaming for improving hockey’s visibility.
“There is more awareness because of social media, networking, and live telecasts and streaming. Almost every small tournament is telecast or streamed live. People are following the game. I think that is one good initiative in modern sport,” he said.
On India’s prospects for the 2028 Olympics, Raghunath said: “They have recently won the Asian Games gold and qualified for the Olympics, so that is a step ahead. The World Cup didn’t go as planned, but they have another two years to sort things out, decide on the changes and establish the core group.
“The target will be to finish in the top four, at least – to reach the Olympic semifinals. The boys are good, and plenty of players are coming through from the junior team. They should get 30 to 50 matches before the Olympics. That is good.
Published – October 28, 2026 09:49 pm IST
