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Paul van Ass Returns to India as UP Rudras Coach, Emphasizes HIL's Importance for Indian Hockey

Paul van Ass Returns to India as UP Rudras Coach, Emphasizes HIL’s Importance for Indian Hockey

By October 16, 2024 0

Paul van Ass, the renowned Dutch hockey coach, has decided to step back from international hockey after guiding the Dutch women’s team to Olympic gold in Paris. The 64-year-old, who also coached the Netherlands men’s team to silver at the 2012 London Olympics, believes it’s time for him to prioritize his business and personal life.

Despite his retirement from international coaching, van Ass remains passionate about hockey and has returned to India as the chief coach of UP Rudras in the revamped Hockey India League (HIL). He believes that the HIL can play a crucial role in developing Indian hockey, particularly for the women’s team.

“The big problem for a country like India is that you lack good quality games,” van Ass said. “In the Netherlands, we play maybe 50 games in a season, here you’re limited to 15. By the time the tournament is on and you start getting the picture, often it is too late.”

The HIL, with its high level of play and international exposure, can provide Indian players with the necessary experience and confidence to compete at the international level. “It will help in the long run. It will add up to what the Indian women’s team has now because the players will get used to playing with top international players,” van Ass said.

Van Ass also highlighted the importance of the HIL’s structure, which limits the number of overseas players and mandates the inclusion of four juniors. “It is a very smart way of energizing Indian hockey,” he said. “Don’t forget your Hardiks and Harmanpreets all emerged from the HIL and now they are international stars and double Olympic medallists.”

While acknowledging the progress made by China in hockey, van Ass believes that the HIL can help India bridge the gap. “It is very good for Indian hockey. I know that the international hockey community is watching and players want to be a part of it,” he said. “The HIL will give the Indian women the spotlight. It starts small but if they can come up and grow, it is a good way to give hockey here international standard.”

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Harmanpreet Singh Breaks Bank at Hockey India League Auctions

Harmanpreet Singh Breaks Bank at Hockey India League Auctions

By October 13, 2024 0

Harmanpreet Singh, the Indian hockey captain, emerged as the most sought-after player at the Hockey India League auctions, fetching a staggering ₹78 lakh from Soorma Hockey Club. The ace drag-flicker’s acquisition set the tone for a bidding frenzy, with several Indian national team players commanding prices far exceeding their base price of ₹10 lakh.

Abhishek Nain became the second-most expensive buy at ₹72 lakh, snapped up by Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers. India vice-captain Hardik Singh was acquired by UP Rudras for ₹70 lakh. Jugraj Singh (Bengal) and Amit Rohidas (Tamil Nadu Dragons) rounded out the top Indian buys at ₹48 lakh each.

Among the overseas players, Gonzalo Peillat was the most coveted, triggering a fierce bidding war before being acquired by Hyderabad Toofans for a massive ₹68 lakh. The Argentine-turned-German became the fourth most expensive player overall, surpassing Dutch drag-flicker Jip Janssen, who went for ₹54 lakh to Tamil Nadu Dragons.

Youngsters Araijit Singh Hundal and Rohit also had impressive outings, fetching ₹42 lakh (Gonasika) and ₹40 lakh (SG Pipers) respectively. Australian forward Jeremy Hayward (JSW, ₹42 lakh) and Dutchman Lars Balk (UP, ₹40 lakh) were the other prominent foreign buys.

However, Gurjant Singh and Mandeep Singh were left disappointed, receiving only ₹19 lakh and ₹25 lakh respectively as teams initially hesitated before gaining momentum.

The auction also witnessed some confusion when Dutch goalkeeper Maurits Visser was put up for bidding before franchises were informed of his withdrawal, forcing last-minute adjustments.

Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey acknowledged that the ₹4 crore purse was insufficient, stating that the possibility of increasing it next year would be considered after reviewing feedback from franchises.

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Hockey India League Revival to Revive Indian Hockey's Golden Era

Hockey India League Revival to Revive Indian Hockey’s Golden Era

By October 11, 2024 0

The revival of the Hockey India League (HIL) has sparked excitement among hockey enthusiasts, with former captain Sardar Singh expressing optimism about its impact on the sport. The league’s return after a seven-year hiatus is expected to revitalize Indian hockey and provide a platform for young players to showcase their talent.

Over 1,000 players have registered for the HIL 2024-25 Players’ Auction, scheduled for October 13-14 (men’s) and October 15 (women’s). The league’s comeback is seen as a significant step towards reviving Indian hockey’s golden era.

“The HIL will be bigger and better this time around,” said Sardar Singh. “With a Women’s league being held concurrently, the League is set to revive Indian hockey’s golden era.”

The HIL provides a high-performance environment for players, allowing them to compete against and alongside some of the best in the world. This exposure to different cultures and mindsets creates a valuable learning experience for young players.

Sardar Singh, who captained the Indian team at the age of 21, believes the HIL has played a crucial role in identifying and grooming talented players. “Current mainstays in the team; Harmanpreet, Mandeep, Sumit and many more were identified and groomed in the HIL,” he said.

The league’s return is expected to expand the pool of potential players for the Indian Hockey Teams. By providing a platform for young players to gain experience at the highest level, the HIL will contribute to the development of a stronger and more competitive national team.

The HIL’s impact extends beyond the field, fostering a sense of community and passion for hockey. The league’s return is a testament to the sport’s enduring popularity in India and its potential to inspire future generations of players.

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Over 1,000 Players to Go Under the Hammer in Hockey India League Auction

Over 1,000 Players to Go Under the Hammer in Hockey India League Auction

By October 10, 2024 0

The Hockey India League (HIL) is set to host a grand three-day players’ auction from October 13-15 in New Delhi. Over 1,000 players, including 400 Indians and 150 foreigners, will be up for grabs in the auction.

The men’s auction, scheduled for Sunday and Monday, will feature a star-studded lineup. India’s bronze medal-winning team from the Paris Olympics, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh and vice-captain Hardik Singh, will be among the top attractions. Seasoned players like Manpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh will also be in the fray.

Notably, former players Rupinder Pal Singh, Birendra Lakra, and Dharamvir Singh have also registered for the auction. International icons like Arthur van Doren, Alexander Hendrickx, Gonzalo Peillat, Jip Janssen, Thierry Brinkman, and Dayaan Cassiem will add global flair to the event.

The women’s league, which will be held from December 28 to January 26 at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, will feature six teams. Around 250 Indian and 70 overseas players have registered for the auction.

Goalkeeper Savita, captain Salima Tete, rising star Deepika, Vandana Katariya, and Lalremsiami are among the prominent Indian players who will be up for grabs. Former India players Yogita Bali, Lilima Minz, and Namita Toppo have also entered their names.

International stars like Delfina Merino, Charlotte Stapenhorst, Maria Granatto, Rachael Lynch, and Nike Lorenz will add depth to the women’s auction.

Over 600 players have registered for the lowest base price category of ₹2 lakh, while 250 have entered their names for the ₹5 lakh class. An additional 250 players have put their names in the top tier ₹10 lakh category.

Each team will consist of 24 players, including 16 Indians (with a mandatory inclusion of four juniors) and eight overseas players. The auction promises to be a thrilling event that will shape the rosters of the eight HIL teams for the upcoming season.

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Indian Hockey Team Eyes Gold at 2028 Olympics After Asian Champions Trophy Triumph

Indian Hockey Team Eyes Gold at 2028 Olympics After Asian Champions Trophy Triumph

By October 7, 2024 0

The Indian hockey team has been on a steady upward trajectory since their bronze medal triumph at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Their impressive performance continued at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where they reached the semi-finals before falling short. However, they bounced back in the bronze medal match, defeating Spain 2-1 to secure a podium finish.

The team’s success continued at the recently concluded Asian Champions Trophy, where they emerged victorious after defeating China in the final. This victory further solidified their position as a rising force in international hockey.

Hardik Singh, a key member of the Indian squad, recently expressed his dissatisfaction with the quality of the Olympic medal. “We were told the medal had iron from the Eiffel Tower, but I hope that’s true,” he said. “They had one job, which was to make a good quality medal, but that’s not the case.”

Despite his disappointment with the medal, Singh remains proud of his achievement. “This is still my biggest achievement,” he said. “I have a tattoo of the Olympic rings, but I’ve kept it incomplete. My wish is to complete it when I win the gold medal next time.”

Singh also shared an anecdote about an encounter with social media personality Dolly Chaiwala at an airport. “I saw it with my own eyes,” he said. “People were getting themselves clicked with him and didn’t recognize us. We started looking at each other, feeling awkward.”

This incident highlights the growing popularity of internet stars and the potential for them to overshadow athletes who have achieved significant accomplishments.

As the Indian hockey team looks ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, they will be determined to continue their upward trajectory and challenge for the gold medal. With their current form and determination, they have the potential to make history and bring home the ultimate prize.

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P.R. Sreejesh Retires from International Hockey, Embraces Coaching Role

P.R. Sreejesh Retires from International Hockey, Embraces Coaching Role

By October 3, 2024 0

P.R. Sreejesh, the legendary Indian hockey goalkeeper, has officially announced his retirement from international hockey and will withdraw from the upcoming Hockey India League Player Auction. This decision marks the end of an illustrious career that has seen Sreejesh achieve unprecedented success on the global stage.

Sreejesh’s decision to retire stems from his desire to focus on coaching and mentorship roles, paving the way for younger players to emerge. He has already been entrusted with the responsibility of guiding the junior Indian men’s team, pending final approval from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the sports ministry.

In an exclusive interview with The Hindu, Sreejesh expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent India and his pride in ending his career on a high note. He recalled the unforgettable moment of standing atop the Olympic podium for the second consecutive Games and the emotional celebration with his teammates.

Sreejesh believes that his experience and knowledge can be invaluable to the next generation of Indian hockey players. He will continue to be involved with the Hockey India League as a Brand Ambassador, working closely with team staff and players to provide guidance and support.

Hockey India has reportedly approved Sreejesh’s contract for an initial period of three years, which will not conflict with his national duties. The federation has also expressed its appreciation for Sreejesh’s contributions to Indian hockey and its commitment to supporting his transition into a coaching role.

Sreejesh’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian hockey. He has been a cornerstone of the team’s success in recent years, playing a pivotal role in India’s historic bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

His exceptional skills, leadership qualities, and unwavering determination have inspired countless young players and fans alike. Sreejesh’s legacy will continue to shape the future of Indian hockey as he embarks on a new chapter as a mentor and coach.

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Harendra Singh Embarks on Rebuilding Mission for Indian Women's Hockey Team

Harendra Singh Embarks on Rebuilding Mission for Indian Women’s Hockey Team

By October 2, 2024 0

Harendra Singh, the Dronacharya awardee, has returned as the chief coach of the Indian women’s hockey team with the daunting task of rebuilding the squad after their failure to qualify for the Paris Olympics. In an exclusive interview, Singh discusses the team’s progress, areas of improvement, and his long-term vision for the team.

Upon his return, Singh quickly assessed the team’s strengths and weaknesses. He identified fitness as a major concern, noting that the players lacked the endurance to sustain high-intensity play for 60 minutes. Additionally, he emphasized the need to strengthen the team’s penalty corner (PC) defense and attack.

“PC conversion and PC defending are crucial for winning medals in the Olympics,” Singh said. “We have good players, but we need to work on these two areas.”

To address these issues, Singh is working with a group of players to develop their drag-flicking skills. He believes that having a pool of drag-flickers will give India a significant advantage in PC situations.

“We are working on the clearance of indirect passes where we lack and must strengthen,” Singh added. “Secondly, there are 5-6 girls with whom I am working on drag-flick which wasn’t there earlier.”

Singh also highlighted the importance of creating a large pool of players and providing them with opportunities to perform. He cited China’s success at the Paris Olympics as an example of this approach.

“China created a large pool of players and gave every player a platform to perform before the Olympics,” Singh said. “They went to Perth, Spain, and played practice matches against Australian and European teams.”

Singh is optimistic about India’s chances at the upcoming ACT, which will be his first full tournament as coach. He believes it will be an opportunity for the players to regain their confidence and build a strong foundation for the future.

“I am really excited about the ACT,” Singh said. “It is a chance for the players to regain their confidence and regain the trajectory where we want to move towards 2026 and 2028.”

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Indian Railways Triumphs in MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup Hockey Final

Indian Railways Triumphs in MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup Hockey Final

By September 29, 2024 0

The Indian Railways hockey team emerged victorious in the 95th MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup all-India hockey tournament, defeating Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) 5-3 in a thrilling final. The Railways team, the defending champion, displayed dominance throughout the tournament and continued their impressive form in the summit clash.

Despite having a squad featuring several Olympians and internationals, IOC struggled to find their footing against a determined Railways side. The Railways team earned nine penalty corners in the first quarter alone, but managed to convert only one. However, their relentless pressure paid off in the third quarter when they extended their lead to 4-2, leaving IOC with a mountain to climb.

IOC made several attempts to rally back, but their efforts were thwarted by the Railways defense. The former champion also had eight penalty corners, but could only convert one. Railways head coach Sunil Kumar Singh attributed the victory to his team’s superior fitness and the exceptional skills of youngster Simranjot Singh.

“Though IOC had many stars, our players were fitter and better. I would also like to pick youngster Simranjot Singh for not just his ability to score but also his receiving skills. Of course, it has been a 100% team effort,” said Singh.

The match was a testament to the growing strength of Indian hockey, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination. The Railways team’s victory is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and serves as a reminder of the bright future that lies ahead for Indian hockey.

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Young Indian Forwards Shine at Asian Champions Trophy, Reducing Reliance on Harmanpreet Singh

Young Indian Forwards Shine at Asian Champions Trophy, Reducing Reliance on Harmanpreet Singh

By September 28, 2024 0

Harmanpreet Singh, the Indian hockey team’s talismanic captain, has long been the team’s primary goal-scorer. However, at the recent Asian Champions Trophy in China, a new generation of Indian forwards emerged, showcasing their potential and reducing the team’s reliance on Singh.

With several senior forwards rested, youngsters Araijeet Singh Hundal, Uttam Singh, Amir Ali, and Gurjot Singh were given an opportunity to shine. They seized the chance, scoring 18 of India’s 26 goals, surpassing the team’s penalty corner conversions.

Gurjot, a 19-year-old debutant, played all seven matches, earning India numerous penalty corners with his dedication and hard work. Uttam, a former junior India captain, scored a goal in each of the four games he played, including the semi-final against South Korea.

Araijeet, a towering 6ft 3in striker, showcased his speed, shooting ability, and 3D skills, scoring three goals, including a brace against Malaysia. Amir Ali, initially a reserve, stepped up after Sanjay’s injury and played a crucial role in earning penalty corners and assisting goals.

Raheel Mouseen, a 27-year-old with limited international experience, also impressed, particularly in the 2-1 victory over Pakistan.

The youngsters’ performances not only proved their worth but also highlighted India’s continued dominance in Asian hockey. It provides chief coach Craig Fulton with options as he rebuilds the team for the next Olympic cycle.

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Suraj Karkera Seizes Opportunity as India's Next Hockey Goalkeeper

Suraj Karkera Seizes Opportunity as India’s Next Hockey Goalkeeper

By September 23, 2024 0

Suraj Karkera, the 28-year-old hockey goalkeeper, has finally stepped into the spotlight after years of waiting in the wings. With India’s long-time custodian, P.R. Sreejesh, set to retire after the Paris Olympics, Karkera has seized the opportunity to prove his worth.

In the recent Asian Champions Trophy (ACT), Karkera shared goalkeeping duties with Krishan Pathak, showcasing their exceptional skills. They conceded only one goal in any match collectively, contributing significantly to India’s victory.

Karkera’s journey to the top has been marked by patience and perseverance. Transitioning from the junior setup to the senior team, he had to bide his time behind Sreejesh. Despite sporadic appearances, he remained a vital part of the core group, witnessing India’s Olympic bronze medal triumphs in Tokyo and Paris.

“Of course, it’s frustrating when you’re not part of the team,” Karkera admitted. “But I’ve been part of two Olympic cycles of a group that’s winning a lot of important medals. So, you know you’re also around that level.”

Karkera’s motivation stemmed from his teammates, childhood coaches, and inspiring stories of the armed forces. He found solace in reading books by Major General Ian Cardozo, a 1971 war hero who lost his leg but went on to command a battalion.

“Such things motivate me,” Karkera said. “It helps you to keep going, keep at it.”

Now, with a new Olympic cycle beginning, Karkera is eager to make the most of his opportunity. He will continue to compete with Pathak, his city-mate and fellow goalkeeper.

“We’ve known each other since 2015,” Karkera said. “We’ve been to each other’s houses in Mumbai. We spend a lot of good time together. He’s a fierce competitor. So yes, there will be competition, healthy competition.”

Karkera’s journey is a testament to the importance of patience, perseverance, and the unwavering belief in one’s abilities. As he steps into the spotlight, he is poised to make a significant contribution to Indian hockey in the years to come.

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