A melting pot of ideas, skills & techniques

By Biswajyoti Brahma, TNN

NEW DELHI: Hockey India League (HIL) found itself surrounded by delays and drama as a cloud of uncertainty enveloped the league even before it started. However, once it got rolling, there has been no looking back. There were doubts whether the organizers would be able to stage a successful tournament after they were forced to delay the start by a few days. And when the stage was set, the league got marred by the controversy over the participation of Pakistani players.

However, the month-long tournament is now set to enter its third week with sizzling on-field action grabbing the attention of hockey lovers across the country. The focus is on the game and the five teams fighting it out for the top honours.

With most of the world’s top stars playing in the league, the fans have been treated to high quality, entertaining hockey, sending out a strong signal that this league is here to stay. “I am very impressed with the quality of the matches being played in the HIL. The biggest challenge for players from different countries and cultures has been to try and gel together on and off the pitch,” Jaypee Punjab Warriors defender Mark Knowles, an Australian, said

From the Indian players’ point of view, the league, besides giving them a chance to earn good money, has helped young players learn a lot about the game while playing alongside and against top foreign players. For many of these young Indian players, it’s a win-win situation.

“It’s a great experience for all the young Indian players. There is so much that we learn from the foreign players like Floris Evers and Moritz Furste. In these past few days, we have learnt how to control the ball better and also some passing techniques,” Mandeep Singh of Ranchi Rhinos told TOI.

Some foreign players also believe that this league will help Indian hockey in a big way. “HIL is a great thing to have happened to Indian hockey. It is proving to be a fantastic opportunity for the Indian youngsters too,” Punjab Warriors goalkeeper Jaap Stockmann said.

The impact of the tournament is such that even world-class players like Sardar Singh admit that Indians are learning a lot from their foreign counterparts. “They guide us on how to play from a particular point on the field and move ahead. If the team is losing then they tell us how to play. If the team is winning they tell us how to manage the game. These small things always make a big difference,” Sardar, captain of the Delhi Waveriders, said.

Ranchi Rhinos coach Gregg Clark said a lot of foreign players who opted out of the league are actually missing out on the fun. “Many foreign players who did not sign up for the tournament are missing out on a huge opportunity. The crowd support has been mind-boggling,” Clark said.

Akashdeep, the youngest player in the Waveriders team put it in perspective: “It’s a huge learning curve for me. We discuss our game plans and strategy before every match and develop an understanding of the game. These discussions help us in better coordination and delivery.”