News Sports Hockey How safe is Hockey after Phil Hughes' tragic death...?

How safe is Hockey after Phil Hughes' tragic death...?

New Delhi: Speed thrills but kills….very true not only in the context of driving but now in sports also. The latest example is the tragic death of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes who was hit on

In hockey mostly goals are converted through the penalty corners. In a penalty corner, members of the attacking side line up on the edge of the-dangerous-D, while the defending team is allowed four players, plus the goalkeeper, on the goal-line. The ball is then pushed by an attacker from a position 10 yards wide of the goal. It could turn out to be the most unsafe and injury prone area for the player and their lives.

Even during most chaotic situation in the ‘D' sweep and reverse sweep come into play with a very dangerous velocity that could prove fatal..

In cricket where a batsman has the luxury of wearing all possible protection gears, Hockey, where a shot is taken just few feet away from a player, is still being played with all possible vulnerability. 

This is the high time when protection measures should be considered on urgent basis for the safety of Hockey players.