Oskar Deecke: “Crowd and format great fun”

Huge crowd, almost mad, quite a different format, that is both exciting and exacting, which are features of the ongoing Hockey India League, strikes a chord with Germany player Oskar Deecke.

The Olympic gold medalist, playing a league for the first time in India — who is fast carving a niche for himself with nippy runs upfront, and being among the goals for Delhi Waveriders – relishes every bit of Hockey India League.

“Hockey India League is quite a fun for me. The format is completely different from the other European leagues. Hockey is faster in this league, with emphasis on scoring goals. For me, it is totally different experience playing here,” he said shortly after the Waveriders defeated Mumbai Magicians on last Friday.

“I watched the Auction on YouTube. Once I am sold, I was eagerly waiting to be part of this new venture, am happy am here, savouring every bit of it”, says the easy going but workmanlike German

Its not first time Oskar comes to India, he vividly remembers his Punjab Gold Cup days, where a development German team lifted the Cup four winters ago.

Like those memorable days, present success of his team too excites him to the hilt.

The success of the Waveriders – which won five out of six matches while drawing the other – adds extra fun to him. He is ready to discuss about the team with abandon joy. Waveriders, according to the star striker, is well-balanced, and this contributes largely to the rein of success it managed to post so far.

“We have a very balanced team in terms of both local and international players. We gel well. It shows on the turf. We have not lost any matches so far. Not losing any match has almost gives us a unbeatable label. However, we have to walk many more mailes, final is way too far. We hope to continue the good work during play-offs too.”

Deecke, who is playing under an Indian coach for the first time, enjoys training stints under AK Bansal.

“Our coach is doing a wonderful job. I had no exposure of training under an Indian coach earlier. The fact that he was able to build a quality team despite such diversity in players within just 10 days, itself speaks volumes about his competency.”

The German player who was sold at his base price of USD 25,000 strongly feels it’s a godsend for Indian youngsters. “HIL is a good platform for young Indian players as they get international level exposure so early in their hockey career”, he asserts.

“Players from all over the world take participate here. It is a great opportunity for all of us to learn the game from each other. We have some of the best guys from the world playing in this league. So, besides the training session, the players can also learn while playing with each other,” he says.

His parting punch goes to Indian crowd.

“The crowd is fabulous. The way they have been supporting us is enjoyable, and commendable”.

“I often hear hockey in India is not so popular compared to some other sports. But, looking at the crowd, their passion wherever we played so far, I simply don’t believe it anymore.”

Highlights of Oskar Deecke in HIL

Struck the first goal of HIL

Gets Hero Man of the Match

Scored against Mumbai Magicians

Part of the team that won 5 of 6 matches