Access to sport is a fundamental right, but many individuals face great obstacles in realising a this right. In India access and opportunity remain highly unequal, especially in rural communities. In states like Maharashtra and Jharkhand, many children grow up without formal training, equipment or role models. Yet in these regions, hockey has the power to offer more than just a game.

As part of the SfD program, our partner the Royal Dutch Hockey Association (KNHB) invests in local coaching to build capacity, create lasting change and support young people in reaching their full potential. In June, this effort took on a new dimension when coaches from two regions, Pune (Maharashtra) and Khunti (Jharkhand) joined an exchange programme to learn from each other. 

The initiative brought Suraj Kerketta, an experienced coach from Jharkhand, to Pune as a co-trainer, where he supported newer coaches in navigating technical sessions. In return, Abhijit Gangawane, the program coordinator in Pune, travelled to Jharkhand to join the coaching course there. What he found there changed his perspective, not just on hockey, but on his role as a coach and leader.

“The coaches in Jharkhand were very good and polite, some had stayed at hockey academies and had years of playing experience. It made me realise how much there is still to learn, and how valuable patience is when working with kids,” Abhijit reflected. 

The contrast was clear: in Pune, many children start from zero. In Jharkhand, even the youngest players already understood basic rules and positioning. “It challenged me as a coach,” said Abhijit. “I had to design new drills that matched their level and kept them engaged. That pushed me to grow.”

Beyond the technical lessons, Abhijit, who has been coordinating the newer Pune programme for just over a year, discovered a deeper organisational culture. The Jharkhand team runs 90 centres with over 50 coaches each with clear roles, delegated responsibilities and structured planning. For Abhijit, it was a wake-up call.

“I used to focus mostly on coordinating school sessions. Now I see that my role must go beyond that. I need to support coaches, improve planning and help sessions run smoothly. This trip gave me the vision to grow into that leadership role.”

One of the most surprising moments came when Abhijit watched a coach in his fifties, Hemant, lead a high-level session with calm authority and playful energy right in the middle of a remote village. Dozens of children played while parents and grandparents watched from the sidelines.

“That moment really hit me. This is grassroots hockey at its best where culture, sport and community come together. I saw what the future of our own programme in Pune could become.”

This coaching exchange is more than a training exercise, it’s a model for local leadership, ownership and long-term impact. It directly supports Quality Education (SDG 4) through life skills coaching, Gender Equality(SDG 5) by supporting female coaches and players, and Partnerships (SDG 17), by linking local knowledge with international cooperation. Through peer-to-peer learning, community-led coaching and attention to both personal and professional growth, the KNHB and its local partners are demonstrating how sport can transform entire regions.