K ARUMUGAM
Former men’s coach Grahm Reid, who took India to historic bronze in Tokyo, returns to India as the head coach of SG Sports, Media & Entertainment (SGSE)’s Delhi franchise team, SG Pipers. The Australian resigned after India failed to reach the last year’s World Cup. The parent body the APL Apollo Group today announced the launch of its franchise, SG Pipers for the 6th Hockey India League (HIL) revived after seven years. Significantly, India’s living legend PR Sreejesh named as Director of Hockey for SG SE. Their women’s team will be steered by Dutchman Dave Smolenaars.
Its a new challenge for me. I won’t be on the turf but will get place a best ecosystem for this team so for my players to give their best”, said ealated Sreejesh.
With a star-studded lineup of management and coaches, the franchise is set to take the hockey world by storm in the HIL, which is making an eagerly awaited comeback after 2017.
In a major coup, legendary Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who fired India to its second successive bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, has been roped in as Director of Hockey by the franchise, making him among the most high-profile signings of the league. Besides this role, Sreejesh will also take on a mentorship role to help nurture young talent.
The Great Wall of Indian Hockey, as Sreejesh is often referred to as, will oversee the technical operations for hockey for SGSE as they look to build a formidable franchise for HIL.
Former India men’s national team coach Graham Reid, under whose tenure India ended its 41-year drought for an Olympic medal at the Tokyo Games in 2021, has been appointed the men’s team head coach of SG Pipers while Dutchman Dave Smolenaars has been named the women’s team head coach. Smolenaars is currently serving Indian hockey as the analytical coach of the national women’s team. A FIH Grade 1 coach, Smolenaars oversaw back-to-back World titles for the Netherlands’ junior women’s national team.
The SG Pipers are determined to create a successful and enduring hockey franchise, with their leadership emphasizing a long-term vision of excellence, community-building, and grassroots development.
Speaking on the group’s foray into the Hockey India League, Rohan Gupta, Founder, SG Sports, Media & Entertainment said, “Hockey is the de facto national game of India and it is a matter of great honour for us to be associated with hockey. The rich legacy of Indian hockey is our biggest motivator and we are committed to creating a strong grassroots culture for the sport. With the likes of Sreejesh, Graham and Dave in our ranks, I am certain the franchise will make an impact in what promises to be an exciting season of HIL.”
A colossal figure in Indian hockey, the recently-retired Sreejesh played a pivotal role in India’s twin gold medals at the Asian Games in 2014 and 2022 besides being an inspirational figure to a generation of hockey players. With a wealth of experience at the elite level, Sreejesh brings with him invaluable technical and tactical insights that promise to make it a memorable debut season for SG Pipers.
Speaking on his new role as Director of Hockey for SG Pipers, PR Sreejesh said, “I am elated and excited to take over SG Pipers as Director of Hockey. Having hung my boots as a professional athlete, I wish to groom the next generation of hockey players in the country and give back to the sport that has given me so much. I am eagerly looking forward to working with some talented youngsters and help build a strong team culture at SG Pipers.”
Reacting to Sreejesh’s appointment, Mahesh Bhupathi, CEO of SG Sports, Media and Entertainment said, “Sreejesh is not only a statesman, but also a two-time Olympic medallist. He knows what it takes to win, has the respect of his peers — past, present and future — and is excited to be part of the SG journey. He is the main man when it comes to our hockey.”
Ayonava HIL DELHI team PR: Photo Caption (From left to right): Vinay Gupta, Director, SGSE; PR Sreejesh, Director of Hockey, SGSE; Sanjay Gupta, Chairman & Managing Director, APL Apollo; Dave Smolenaars, Women’s Team Head Coach, SG Pipers; Mahesh Bhupathi, CEO, SGSE and Rohan Gupta, Founder, SGSE at the launch of SG Pipers, Delhi’s Franchise for Hockey India League