Western Australia’s top male hockey players recently returned from an exciting and impactful tour of India, marking a significant milestone in the region’s ongoing commitment to fostering international partnerships in sports. The tour, organised by Hockey WA in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India (SAI), successfully blended competitive international hockey with a rich cultural exchange, providing athletes with a unique opportunity for both athletic development and personal growth.

Part of Hockey WA’s Asian Engagement Strategy, the tour was designed to deepen the relationship between Australian and Indian hockey and build on the success of previous tours from India to Perth.
It also highlighted a new Memorandum of Association signed between Hockey WA and Hockey India, reinforcing the commitment to future collaboration.

Upon arrival, the team was greeted with warmth and hospitality during a traditional Karnataka ceremony at the SAI Bengaluru, which beautifully showcased India’s rich cultural heritage. The players were immersed in India’s vibrant culture from the moment they landed, setting the tone for a tour that combined top-tier sports training with an enriching cultural experience.

The team visited the world-renowned SAI Netaji Subhas Southern Centre, one of India’s premier sporting hubs. Equipped with cutting-edge facilities such as synthetic turfs and a state-of-the-art Sports Science Centre, the centre provided the team with the best environment to hone their skills. During their time at the National Centres of Excellence (NCOE) in Bengaluru, Lucknow, Sonipat, and SAI Shakti, the players took part in joint training sessions with local athletes and coaches, strengthening their technical skills through collaboration.

On the field, the Hockey WA team wasted no time showcasing their skill and determination. The players kicked off their matches with a dominant 5-2 victory over SAI NCOE Lucknow, demonstrating their competitive edge. Their next match, against SAI NCOE Bengaluru, proved to be more challenging. After a hard-fought 2-2 draw, the Bengaluru team emerged victorious in a tense 3-2 shootout, highlighting the high level of competition in the tour.

Despite the on-field rivalry, the tour’s emphasis was not solely on winning matches but also on fostering camaraderie and shared learning. The exchange of ideas between the Australian team and the Indian athletes was invaluable, offering both sides a chance to learn from each other’s playing styles and training techniques.

Beyond the pitch, the players had the opportunity to engage in cultural tours, further enriching their experience. Visiting historic landmarks and immersing themselves in India’s diverse traditions, the players gained a deeper understanding of the country’s cultural heritage. This balance of elite training and cultural exposure provided the athletes with a well-rounded experience, contributing to their holistic development both on and off the field.

Hockey WA’s partnership with Hockey India and the Sports Authority of India was a pivotal step in nurturing future hockey stars. By fostering international connections and offering world-class opportunities for its athletes, Hockey WA is setting a precedent for collaboration in the global sports community.

The players who participated in the tour include: Angus Adamson, Hamish Adamson, Luke Anderson, Sam Ashton, Max Baynam, Scott Caporn, Ky Fisher, Oliver Higgins, Harrison Keymer, Jeremy Mayne, Mitchell McGrath, Simon Naughtin, Lawson Patten-Williams, Marshall Puzey, Joshua Scanlon, Cooper Stephens, Matt Van Selm
Off-Field Team: Tim Geers, Stuart Van Selm, Shayley McGurk-Davy
The tour marked a reaffirmation of Hockey WA’s commitment to developing its athletes and building lasting international partnerships that will benefit the future of Australian hockey.

The collaboration between Hockey WA, Hockey India, and the Sports Authority of India has set the foundation for continued exchanges and opportunities for both teams to learn and grow, both in sport and in understanding one another’s cultures.
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