Bangalore: Jude Felix Hockey Academy for Under-Privileged Kids


Bangalore: Jude Felix Hockey Academy for Under-Privileged Kids

Pics: Jessie Rodrigues & KPN
The Hindu

Bangalore, Jan 4: In a rare blend of sport and philanthropy, former Indian hockey captain Jude Felix announced the launch of an academy that will help under-privileged children.

After its formal inauguration on Saturday, the Jude Felix Hockey Academy in association with the St. Mary’s Orphanage in Cooke Town, will help 60 children pick up the rudiments of India’s national sport.

“It has been a long-time dream to help under-privileged and now is the time for it. There are 182 children at the orphanage and we plan to train children in three age-groups of 8, 10 and 12 in batches of twenty each. “There will be four coaches and I will monitor the progress closely,” said Jude at a press conference here on Friday.

Jude said that the academy is still searching for funds. “I am grateful to the Lions Club officials who speeded up my dreams and helped me in setting up this academy and they have promised that they will help raise the funds and I hope corporates will chip in.



Sports Stars Rahul Dravid, Ashish Ballal, Jude Felix and Dhanraj Pillay at the inauguration of Jude Felix Hockey Academy



Rahul Dravid and Dhanraj Pillay



“I also thank priest Fr. John Anthony for all his support and for backing hockey. Our academy has got affiliation from the Karnataka State Hockey Association and in the future I hope that players from this academy go on to play for the state and country,” Jude said.

Meanwhile the Lions Club officials reiterated their commitment to the academy which will swing into action on Saturday evening with a friendly hockey match in which many former International players will participate.

Former India cricket captain Rahul Dravid is also expected to play the match.

Former India hockey captain Dhanraj Pillay and Tony Fernandes, who has instituted a scholarship in his name for the academy, will be the guests of honour during the inauguration while Fr. John Anthony will be the chief guest.

“We now have a decent play field but gradually we are dreaming about having an astro-turf,” said Jude.

  

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Comment on this article

  • lenroy saldanha, bangalore

    Wed, Mar 20 2013

    good on ya,jude.i played hockey much before you did at st. josephs's european high school( as it was known then)when we had players like vece paes ets and we wiped out the opposition.
    anyway,i'd like to make a donation to your academy.how do i go about it?

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  • Rebecca Taylor, bangalore

    Mon, Nov 21 2011

    This is an amazing effort by JFHA as our national sport needs recognition...!!!

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • ABU SUFIYAN, HYDERABAD

    Sat, Apr 02 2011

    I AM PLAYING HOCKEY FROM THIS ACADEMY SAR PLS IAM COME TO YOUR ACADEMY

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  • V.K.KANNAN, BANGALORE / MALAYSIA

    Fri, Aug 27 2010

    This is something every Indian has to be proud of. I have played and studied in the same school with Jude ( St Germain's). I know the hardship and dedication Jude had to strive and achieve what he is today. He had that spark in earlier schooling days and we never know what it was, we were too young to know this. Hard work pays, and Jude is a great example. I always use to envy this guy. A great person, very humble.

    This initiative is something which makes us proud and I am personally very touched by this gesture. This a very small beginning and I am sure needs a lot of support. I will definitely support this cause and can be contacted at :kannanglass@rediffmail.com.
    JUDE KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. Your humbleness, sincerity and hard work will definitely keep you flying higher and higher.

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  • Denzil Fernandes, Dubai

    Mon, Jan 05 2009

    Good move by Jude Felix. Jude Felix was one of the finest hockey players of India who was known for his stickwork and clever playing skills. It is really heartwarming that Jude has intiated a hockey programme to spread the game with his academy in Bangalore. If only every prominent and successful sportsman in India shows the same sentiment and does what Jude Felix has now done for hockey things would be great in India. There are so many cricketers and other stars who can always devote a little time and money for the unfortunate ones. Veteran hockey star Dhanraj Pillai has done his bit in Mumbai and a couple of others in cricket also. But there is a lot more which needs to be done by these successful sportsmen of India. They should give back something to the younger lot with their support and backing. When that starts to happen India will not be short of medals and trophies on the international field. Jude Felix has shown the way with his generous initiative. I hope that others will follow.

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  • Joseph Dcunha, Mangalore/ Canada

    Sun, Jan 04 2009

    Jude, At a time when Indian hockey is having its worst problems, it the best pay back time from a superb player like you to start an academy for the underprivileged. We sincerely wish you success and hope your efforts are well recognized. Congrats and great work!

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