MARGAO
Former India international goalkeeper and FIH Level-3 certified coach Edgar Mascarenhas has urged Goa Hockey to adopt a progressive approach for the state’s hockey development. Drawing from his vast experience as a player and coach, Mascarenhas suggested that including five experienced players from outside Goa could significantly strengthen the local team by bringing in fresh perspectives and higher playing standards — without taking away opportunities from homegrown talent.
“This mix of local and experienced players can help the team grow and learn faster,” Mascarenhas said, emphasizing the importance of balancing development and competitiveness.
He also stressed the need for artificial pitches for both hockey and football to ensure better playing conditions and more consistent training opportunities. According to Mascarenhas, promoting hockey at the grassroots level remains crucial for building a strong sporting foundation in Goa. “Getting young players involved early is key to long-term success,” he added.
Mascarenhas brings with him more than two decades of experience as a player for Air India, Maharashtra, and the Indian National Team. Among his many achievements are a gold medal at the 1995 SAF Games, a silver at the Indira Gandhi Gold Cup, and representing India at the 1996 Olympic Qualifiers in Spain.
After his playing career, Mascarenhas transitioned into coaching, securing his FIH Level-3 certification in 2022. He has coached the Maharashtra Senior Men’s Team in the 2017, 2019, and 2021 National Championships, and served as the goalkeeping coach for Dabang Mumbai during the 2016–2017 Hockey India League seasons.
In 2022, Mascarenhas was appointed as the coach of the Odisha hockey teams for the Hockey India National Championships. Under his leadership, the Odisha Senior Women’s Team created history, clinching the gold medal at the National Championship in Bhopal.
Mascarenhas credited Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey for the success, acknowledging the autonomy and support he received. “I took a break from my Air India job to come here only because of Dilip. He has great plans for hockey, and Odisha now has over two dozen artificial turfs—more than any other Indian state,” said the Bandra-based coach, who is also pursuing an FIH High Performance Course.
Born and raised in Mumbai to Goan parents — his father from Sarzora and mother from Assolna — Mascarenhas maintains strong ties to the state. His commitment to improving Indian hockey, particularly in Goa, reflects his passion for the sport and his belief that with the right infrastructure and vision, Goa can emerge as a strong hockey hub in the country.
