Pune: Dr. Vrishali Bhosale Appointed First Woman President of Nehru Hockey Society
Pune: Dr. Vrishali Bhosale Appointed First Woman President of Nehru Hockey Society
Pune, January 28, 2025 – In a landmark decision, Dr. (Mrs.) Vrishali Bhosale has been unanimously appointed as President of the Jawaharlal Nehru Hockey Tournament Society (JNHTS) at a special meeting held recently. She becomes the first woman to lead this prestigious organization, which has played a pivotal role in promoting hockey in India since its inception in 1964.
Dr. Bhosale succeeds industrialist Yash Bharwani, who stepped down for personal reasons. She now joins an illustrious league of former presidents, including eminent personalities such as A.K. Sen, Y.B. Chavan, Sharad Pawar, and Olympian stalwarts.
Dr. Bhosale said, “Thank you for being here today. It is an absolute honor and privilege to stand before you as the newly elected President of the Jawaharlal Nehru Hockey Society, New Delhi.
This moment is not just a personal milestone but a significant step forward for inclusivity and representation in Indian sports administration. As the first woman to hold this position, I am deeply aware of the responsibility and opportunity this role carries.
My vision as President is to continue advancing the legacy of the Jawaharlal Nehru Hockey Society while fostering innovation and inclusivity. Hockey is more than a sport—it is a unifying force that has brought pride and glory to our nation.”
The Society boasts a legacy of nurturing world-class talent through its five annual tournaments, which concluded their latest editions between October 6 and December 7, 2024. The tournaments have been instrumental in discovering hockey legends like Ajitpal Singh, Dr. Dilip Tirkey, Zafar Iqbal, and Gagan Ajit Singh.
Dr. Bhosale, a noted medical practitioner and President of SE Society under the SNBP Group, brings her passion for hockey to the role. The Chikhli Sports Complex, with its international-standard turf, is a testament to her commitment to grassroots sports development.
Under her leadership, the Society’s immediate focus will be hosting the Nehru Women’s Hockey Tournament in March 2025, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of India’s historic 1975 World Cup win in Kuala Lumpur.
Powered by stellar performances at the Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 Olympics, the Society under Dr. Bhosale aims to continue its tradition of fostering young talent and strengthening the nation’s legacy in its national sport.
