New Delhi, 11 July 2025:The India ‘A’ Males’s Hockey Crew is off to a flying begin, registering back-to-back wins — 6-1 and 6-0 — in opposition to Eire to open their eight-match European tour. Among the many standout performers is ahead Venkatesh Kenche, a rising expertise recognized for his blistering ball velocity and relentless attacking mindset, who is set to benefit from this chance.
After earlier stints on the Junior Nationwide Camp in 2016 and 2018, Kenche has made a spirited return to the India setup. He credit this breakthrough to constant performances on the home circuit.
“I’ve been coaching and working towards very exhausting. It has been my aim to play for India,” he stated. “I targeted quite a bit on my fundamentals and health, and that has actually helped my sport. The home circuit may be very aggressive, with many robust groups, which has pushed all of us to enhance.”
Kenche performed a key function in Hockey Maharashtra’s bronze medal win on the Nationwide Video games and their quarter-final end on the Senior Nationwide Championship.
On making his debut for India ‘A’, an emotional Kenche stated:
“It has been a dream come true to symbolize India. I’m very proud — and so is my household. They’ve all the time supported and inspired me, and by no means put any stress on me. I’m actually grateful to them.”
Reflecting on the variations between home and worldwide hockey, Kenche acknowledged the shift in tempo and tactical depth.
“The sport plan may be very completely different right here, and the depth is far greater,” he defined. “The coaches focus much more on planning, and it’s essential to hear rigorously to carry out nicely.”
On carrying the India jersey for the primary time, the 24-year-old admitted to some preliminary nerves.
“Initially, I used to be a bit nervous, however I quickly settled in, began feeling good, and now I really feel like I actually belong right here. The crew may be very supportive, and we don’t single out gamers for errors — that actually helped enhance my confidence.”
Kenche can also be conscious of the areas he desires to enhance:
“I believe my velocity with the ball is one in all my strengths — it comes naturally however I’ve additionally labored on it quite a bit,” he stated. “Going ahead, I actually wish to enhance my goal-scoring capacity.”
Trying forward, he expressed optimism in regards to the crew’s momentum:
“The crew is taking part in nicely, and we’re all assured that the tour will go nicely.”
India ‘A’ and Venkatesh Kenche will subsequent face France on Saturday, 12 July 2025.
