The former Indian Women’s Hockey captain and vice-president of Hockey Jharkhand, Asunta lakra, was declared the selector for the Indian Senior Women’s Team by Hockey India on Saturday. Being a player, she feels majority of the hockey talents are devoid of astro-turf practice and coaches. Presently, except Ranchi none of the districts has the facility of an astro-turf ground. In a brief chat with The Pioneer, she felt the national game is in a ‘shaky position’ in the State wherein lot of efforts is required to stabilise the condition.
“The standard of hockey has deteriorated in the state. Centres at Ranchi, Khunti, Gumla and Simdega districts need good coaches. There is no astro-turf ground in any of the centres except Ranchi. The situation is same in villages. No block, district or state level tournaments have been held here for past few years,” said the Simdega based player.
“Our association is in talks with Government and private organisations for sponsoring such tournaments. If everything goes according to the plan, we are likely to host senior-state hockey championship for men and women in January 2015. We will also get coaches through sponsorships,” she said on her priorities as Hockey Jharkhand vice president.
Asked on the reason of her retirement announcement from international tournaments, she said it is due to some ‘personal issues’.
Meanwhile, her job as Hockey India selector is to ensure the participation of deserving players and give them special attention.
“As player, I have always observed the performances of my team mates. Performance does matters. I will follow the instructions of Hockey India. My first assignment will probably be with the India Women’s team scheduled to perform in New Zealand soon,” she said.
Belonging to a family of hockey players has proved an advantage for her. “As child, I used to hear people saying that my three brothers are good hockey players. It was because of them I joined the same field and was able to join NSTC centre at Bariatu in 1997. Even at home, I have always been under their mentorship,” said the player.
Interestingly, Asunta is known for her ‘Flat Shot’ in the game. Asked how, she said, “My elder brother who is no more in this world had once asked me “how am I special for the teamIJ I replied by playing as team. He literally insulted me and taught the value of ‘penalty shot’ and ‘stroke’. Thereafter, I would often see players and their technique which made them an important factor for winning as a team. Slowly, I became an expert in ‘flat shot’ Even today everyone in the Indian Team calls me a ‘Flatter’. It feels great.”
For Asunta lakra, practicing on field is not enough for a budding player to reach the destination. “Apart from practicing regularly, it is important to watch matches live or on screen. The position of prominent players helps in learning. We imitated those match positions and it helped us,” she pointed out.