Of the all coaches present in the press meet convened to disclose closed bid for Hero Hockey India League, Dabang Mumbai’s Valentin was well sought after by the media.
Dhanraj Pillay, Harendra Singh, Jagbir Singh, have left after the closed bid meeting not present for the media interaction
This media conference was perhaps the thinnest in terms of number of print and visual media attendance, in the recent memory, despite transport was organized from three pick centres for media.
Moments before the interaction was to start, the hotel authorities made an announcement to vacate all, seemingly a caution for fire, but it soon recalled even before all have vacated the ball room.
Each team management was invited to main stage for media question and answer, more questions asked to Dabang Mumbai.
Ranchi Rays teams however did not come forward on stage, perhaps it was without coach Harendra Singh at that point of time.
While the manager, mentor or coach of teams replied media queries, it was a PR who replied for Kalinga Lancers, despite Dilip Tirkey present on the dais.
It was nice to see both Jude Felix and Anil Anil Aldrin, who together played many years in the early 90s, especially the Sydney World Cup, the former as captain.
Anil Aldrin said that the coaching at this level is an learning experience for him, and he is focussed on the job and looking forward to the challenge ahead.
Former captain and mentor of Kalinga Lancers Dilip Tirkey have put on weight, and had recently undergone two ligament operations in Adelaide, Australia. “My fitness is casuality in the public life”, the Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament said. He also unsuccessfully contested Sundargarh Parliamentary election recently.
Absence of Pune Franchise created a lot of curiosity, but not many questions were asked on that score, perhaps absence of Narender Batra, president of Hockey India, told on the media.
A total of 149 players – 54 foreign, 95 domestic – were in the fray. These include two franchises that cried out — Ranchi Rhinos and Mumbai Magicians.
Belgian strike Tom Boon got the highest money, USD 103k followed by Mathew Swann, 78k, and PR Sreejesh 69K. Fourth rank went to Trent Mitton of Australia 67K.
HI CEO Elena Norman informed that eight teams will figure in 2016 league