In this episode of Off Pitch Africa, we sit down with Indrajit Matharu, better known as Coolie, to explore his extraordinary hockey career that began in 1982 at Arya Primary School. From his first steps in the sport to representing Kenya on the global stage, Coolie shares the impact of family support and mentorship from senior players like the late Mr. Sujit Singh .

We dive into his international debut in 1986, where he scored two goals against Malawi, and his selection for the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Coolie discusses the challenges of transitioning from grass to astroturf, overcoming injury, and the importance of adapting to changing rules in the sport. He also reflects on memorable matches, intense rivalries, and the lessons he learned from playing against top international teams.

Beyond his playing career, Coolie highlights the need for better investment in technical coaching, facilities, and government support to elevate the sport in Kenya. He passionately calls on the next generation of players to set individual goals, focus on personal training, and work towards improving the sport’s standards. Join us for an inspiring conversation that delves deep into the past, present, and future of Kenyan hockey.

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