A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SKILL PROFICIENCY OF FEMALE INTERCOLLEGIATE HOCKEY PLAYERS IN PUNE REGION AGE GROUP 18 TO 25 YEARS

This study investigates the skill proficiency of female inter-collegiate field hockey players aged 18 to 25 in the Pune region, comparing different colleges to examine variations in key technical skills. The research aims to identify differences in fundamental hockey skills (such as dribbling, passing, hitting, stopping, and agility) across institutions, evaluate factors influencing proficiency, and provide recommendations for training and development. A total of 60 players from three colleges in Pune were assessed using a standardized skill-test battery, and their performances were statistically analyzed. Findings reveal significant differences in some skill areas, suggesting that institutional training practices and resource availability play a crucial role in skill development. Based on the results, the paper proposes strategies to improve coaching practices and optimize inter-college hockey programs.