V.R. Raghunath Discusses Evolution of Domestic Hockey

V.R. Raghunath, a former captain of the Indian hockey team and two-time Olympian, has observed considerable evolution in domestic hockey since his playing days. He noted enhancements in game awareness, increased pace, and the influx of younger players contributing positively to the sport.

Raghunath, who currently leads the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) team in the 97th All-India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup hockey tournament in Chennai, praised the performance of teams like Railways, Air Force, Navy, and BPCL for their recruitment efforts and scholarship programs that are bringing fresh talent into the game.

He also acknowledged the role of social media and live broadcasts in boosting hockey's visibility, stating that these platforms have increased public engagement with the sport. Looking ahead to the 2028 Olympics, Raghunath expressed optimism about India's prospects, citing their recent Asian Games gold medal and the need for extensive match experience leading up to the event.