Kiwi-Indian Hitendra Patel has coached players, officials and coaches at various levels locally and nationally. Photo: Supplied
Kiwi-Indian hockey coach Hitendra Patel has achieved plenty in his storied career and yet one goal still eludes him.
"We haven't had many Kiwi-Indians representing New Zealand at international level hockey," Patel said. "I want it to change. That's why my focus has been to coach youth teams."
Patel recently received Hockey New Zealand's outstanding contribution to coaching award, something the national body for the sport said recognised his "remarkable two-decade-long journey in the field".
"As a dedicated and passionate coach, Hitu has left an indelible mark on the sport, coaching players, officials and coaches at various levels, both locally and nationally," the organisation said.
Patel started coaching junior teams of clubs affiliated to Auckland Hockey when he was 18 years old. After working in several roles for a few years, he went to London to coach the women's first XI team at Staines Hockey Club in 2013. He returned to North Harbour Hockey eight years ago, where he has stayed ever since. He has also coached the first XI boys' hockey team at King's College in Auckland.
He received New Zealand Hockey's bronze service award in 2021, before his coaching career took off in 2022.
"It was another busy year during which I had the privilege to work with so many amazing groups and people," he said. "There were lots of learning experiences along the way as well."
At a club level, Patel led the Sommerville Hockey Club's premier women's team to the intercity competition title. His team also secured second spot in the premier Auckland women's competition. As a result, he was named Sommerville coach of the year.
At a regional level, as part of his work with North Harbour Hockey, he was coach developer for the under-16 northern region boys' and girls' teams, offering support to 10 coaches. Harbour Sport, recognising his efforts, nominated him as a finalist for junior team coach of the year and community coach of the year.
At a national level, he has been head coach of the North Harbour Hockey under-18 boys' premier team, leading them to back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022.
He has also contributed to Hockey New Zealand in other ways, including as coach for the New Zealand Barbarians men's team at the New Zealand Heritage Tournament.
"Hitu has an extraordinary ability to build relationships with every player he coaches, and the talent to relate to any age or stage of the person," North Harbour Hockey said in a Facebook post. "His dedication spans Auckland clubs, schools and age group representatives from Collier Trophy to under-21 sides, as well as North Harbour representative and the former 'Central' collective teams."
Despite everything he has achieved, Patel still dreams of coaching the Black Sticks. And he's already halfway there, courtesy of his involvement in the junior Black Stick's camp as a support coach earlier this year.
"Hockey was a passion in India when our forefathers immigrated to New Zealand. I guess they brought that love for the sport here. But somehow the community's representation in our national teams hasn't been adequate," he said.
"Our flagship annual tournament is held on King's Birthday and is organised by the New Zealand Indian Sports Association, with hundreds participating every year. It's here where we are nurturing and scouting future Black Sticks."
The last word perhaps belongs to Hockey New Zealand.
"In 2022, Patel has truly made his mark at North Harbour and has demonstrated his potential as a coach of the future," the organisation said.
"His contributions have undoubtedly shaped the future of hockey in New Zealand, setting a high standard for aspiring coaches."