Coach Dr.Narendra Kunder Man behind Maharashtra Kho-Kho Team

 

                        (Dr. Narendra Kunder)

He was awarded Shiv Chattrapati award for his meritious performance and superiority in the game of Kho-Kho for his training to players at from grassroots level to international level. He believes in hard work and did practise individually on daily basis. He has an experience of more than 30 years in the field of Kho-Kho to train players and nourish them so that they perform and brings gold to the state and country.

Sunday Kho-Kho Series through Voice of International Player is trying to put actuality and unknown stories of Kho-Kho players, coaches and personalities among people across the world by reaching every niche and nook across India and World.

Ms.Neha Duggal Columnist caught up with 

Dr.Narendra Kunder of Maharashtra in a sole conversation as he cast off a breath on Kho-Kho. 

Q1.  How can you opt for kho kho as a Coach?

Ans. Kho-Kho has always been my passion, keen interest.I, myself, have played Kho-Kho at the school level, School Nationals 2 times, Junior National, Inter-university, All India west zone. I started coaching at an earlier age of 21.  After playing  All India University, I completed my B.Ped & then M.P.ed.I choose to be a P.E Teacher which helps me to hunt the talent at the grass-root level.

     Q2. What your team performance as a coach?

Ans. I am Coaching in the field of kho kho since 1989. Till now in various age group, my teams have been winners at District level, State level, at school games and even all India level. When I was appointed as Maharashtra coach Twice for National tournament for

Jr.group(U/18 boys and girls) and also in Sr.Group our team has bagged Gold medal.

 Also appointed in 12^th South Asian Games at Assam- Indian men's team coach and secured Gold Medal.

       Q3. What are your achievements in Kho-Kho?

Ans. As I have already mentioned I have been coaching for more than 30 years. In this period, many players have played district, state, National & even International Level.

             4 players - International level.

             50 + players - National level .

             250 + players - State level .

             1 player - Awarded senior-level Eklavya at National level 

             1 player  - Awarded senior-level Rani Laxmi Bai

             2 players – Awarded junior level Veer Abhimanyu  

            4 players – Awarded Shiv Chhatrapati state award from the government of  Maharashtra.

     

I have been felicitated by Maharashtra State Government with Shiv Chhatrapati Award for the best coach in the field of Kho-Kho.

 

     Q4. As you are a coach of Maharashtra the top state team of Kho-Kho. How you trained players and what are your methods to choose a good player on the team?

Ans. In Maharashtra under the guidance of MKKA tournament are held at District level and State level. In that tournament selection committee selects the best players according to the requirement of the team we will be representing the state at National Level. In Maharashtra, there are 24 districts participate in the state-level tournament and only 5-6 ranking teams players are selected in Maharashtra Team. So it is a very tough competition. 

Here, I would like to tell you that the players who are selected, are already trained by their respective coaches. What you need to do as a coach at this level is to train them according to the need of the tournament. We have 10 days training camp for them in which more emphasis is given in combination, co-ordination, mental preparation, strategies, tactics etc.

And then our team is ready to represent Maharashtra at National Level.

 

    Q5. In the final match of tournament of there is lots of pressure on players and coaches. How you handle that pressure and what you say to your players?

Ans. At Nationals when the team is performing, there is pressure but the players are already trained for the same during the camp. Whichever team is stronger, we observe their matches, use audiovisuals to explain the game, make plans, strategies accordingly. This way the players are trained to bear the pressure.

What players are been told is that all the teams have come to play and all are well trained. As Every team aware of winning or losing depends on which team makes more mistakes. If you make fewer mistakes than your opponent victory is yours. All we are here for war, not for a picnic, you are representing Maharashtra so make your best performance.

    Q6. What is the Secret behind the top performance of the Maharashtra team in Kho-Kho?

Ans. In Maharashtra, Kho-Kho is a very popular game which is played in rural as well as urban areas right from School level. We have many private clubs, A lot of tournament are conducted inter club, district level through district and state Kho-Kho Association, at Inter-School level, Invitational etc.

Players get more exposure and experience when they play more at a competitive level. This helps them understand, their game, their drawbacks, and strengths and ultimately help in developing the game.

So I think, because the players of Maharashtra are playing more Kho-Kho from the grass-root level, their performance enhances when they represent the state.

     

    Q7. As you are coaching from several years. What difference do you saw in Kho-Kho players of 2020 and 1990?

Ans. Game rules have changed. The game has become more speed-oriented. In 1990 players used more of skills in kho kho like judgement Kho, pole dive, ring game etc. Introduction of mats has also changed the game, the fitness requirement of the players, game techniques have changed.

   Q8. The tournament in Baramati and some districts of Maharashtra are well organised. What is the reason behind it?

 Ans. I would proudly like to mention here that in Maharashtra not in only in Baramati but any district when the tournament is conducted the main focus is a player. We are conducting games for them, so if we provide them with the facilities for proper ground, lodging and boarding, then only they can give their best and we will be able to see good Kho-Kho.My thanks to Maharashtra Kho-Kho Association. The organizers who can provide proper facilities are given the chance to conduct the tournament. The district then according to their sponsorship/patrons etc. provide extra facilities if they can.

    Q9. What is the role of coach for a team?

Ans. Coach – firstly to make a team for that hunt talent, train them well, help the players participate and play towards achieving their fullest potential. Encourages the players, boost their morale, Train them to fight with sportsman spirit.

Identify the needs of the team, play the training program accordingly develop the physical as well as psychological fitness of the team. Maintain a record of the performance of the players,

Acting as a role model, friend, guide, philosophers, gain respect and trust of the people you work with.

        Featured Columnist Neha Duggal(India)

Coordinated by:

Pankaj Malhotra( India)

(Voice of International Player)

Supported By:

 Anuj Khajuria(North Carolina, U.S.A)

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