Hockey Australia has recently signed a statement of intention to develop a new world class hockey academy in Lavasa – one of India’s first planned hill cities. This business introduction and MoU was facilitated by the Australian Trade Commission.
Planned for a permanent population of around 300,000 residents, Lavasa - India’s first hill city is developed by HCC, as an inclusive city, based on the principles of New Urbanism in over 12,500 acres of land with proximity to Mumbai and Pune.
Lavasa will host a complement of global leaders in hospitality, tourism, education, healthcare, business research and industry. Current sporting tie ups includes Golf academy by Sir Nick Faldo; Football academy by Manchester City Football Club.
Mr Mark Anderson, Chief executive, Hockey
Australia (left) and Mr Nathan Andrews -Executive VP -
Business Development, Lavasa Corporation
As part of the agreement Hockey Australia will provide consultancy services in all aspects of the development of the hockey academy. This will include assisting in the design of the academy, the introduction of world class hockey coaches to run the academy and providing intellectual property of various Hockey Australia programs, including its junior development program – Hook in2 Hockey. Coaches will work in partnership with Indian staff to ensure that the academy becomes sustainable over the long term.
The aim of the academy is to provide Lavasa with world class facilities and hockey programs. Mark Anderson, Chief Executive, Hockey Australia said “Hockey Australia’s involvement in the development of the hockey academy in Lavasa demonstrates Australia’s standing as a world leader in hockey. Hockey Australia has long been recognised as an innovator and leader on the hockey pitch with the success of our national teams”.
“Our involvement in this project demonstrates our standing as an innovator off the pitch as we partner with Lavasa Corporation Limited to develop this world class program. This is an extremely exciting partnership and project. The positioning of Hockey Australia alongside sporting greats, Manchester City and Nick Faldo, demonstrates how highly Hockey Australia and its people are perceived within an international setting. We look forward to forging a long term relationship with Lavasa to assist in developing hockey as a vibrant and growing sport within India and Australian communities” said Anderson.
Commenting on the development, Mr. Rajgopal Nogja, President, Lavasa Corporation, said, “We are committed to developing Lavasa as India’s most modern city with infrastructure facilities that will appeal to prospective residents and tourists. The setting up of a world class academy with Hockey Australia is in keeping with our endeavour of forging best in class global tie ups to promote Lavasa. The academy will surely facilitate the development and growth of hockey”.
Sport is a binding element in the social and cultural fabric of Australia. Australian sporting excellence is renowned internationally backed by its achievements on the international sporting stage. The Australian sports system is unique and one of the most successful in the world. Sporting institutions across the globe emulate Australian programs, and Australian coaches and sports administrators are employed by many organisations and countries around the world.
Australian expertise, products & technology in sports, especially in Sports education (coaching), Sports infrastructure & Sports medicine are available across all sporting disciplines for organisations & institutions in India. For more information on accessing Australian sporting expertise and partnerships with Australia in sports, please email to utsavaustralia@austrade.gov.au