Will Hockey India League be a hot flick?

By Satya Siddharth Rath

Indian hockey is dead. Long live Indian hockey! How often have we heard and echoed this sentiment and lamented about our national game in recent months; nee, over the past several years actually.

There are valid reasons behind this pessimism, both amongst die-hard hockey fans and the normal sports lover. The slide has not been rapid; it has been a continual process.

Regime after regime, both in the erstwhile Indian Hockey Federation and the subsequent Hockey India, have presided over the game’s demise.

The big low came when India failed to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Games, a first for the eight-time Olympic champions. A ‘favourable’ draw in the Olympic qualifiers helped them make it to London, where they hit a new low by finishing last in the 12-team competition.

Off the field meanwhile, infighting continues between the two hockey bodies (IHF and HI), with both claiming to be official flag-bearers of the game.

The matter is sub judice in the apex court. All this while, the government (read Sports Ministry) has preferred to b a mute spectator to the drama.

In such times, the Hockey India League (HIL), which begins with Punjab Warriors taking on Delhi Waveriders in the opening match at the Major Dhyanchand National Stadium on Monday, comes like a breath of fresh air for our much-abused national game.

With some of the world’s top players set to rub shoulders with the best of local talent, the league, one hopes, will give a much-needed boost to the game’s dwindling fortunes.

Dutch legend Teun De Nooijer, who will be representing Uttar Pradesh Wizards, feels that the HIL could prove to a “game-changer” for the sport. “It will change Indian hockey for good, it will help local players.

They will get better by playing alongside the greats of the game,” the midfield ace said recently.

Another Dutch player Jaup Stockmann, who will be playing for Punjab Warriors, says the league will help India stem their declining performance.

“Australia, Holland and Germany are the best teams in the world today because they all have tough domestic leagues that helps in unearthing and developing talented players.

India’s struggle is primarily because of the absence of any world-class league,” Stockman feels. Australia coach Ric Charlesworth, too, is hopeful that the league would prove to be beneficial for the game in India.

“It will be a good exposure for Indian players, as they will get to rub shoulders with some of the best in the business today,” Charlesworth, who will be coaching Mumbai Magicians in the HIL, said.

The HIL runs from January 14 to February 10. Five franchise-owned city-based teams will play 34 matches between themselves on home and away basis over 28 days, with the winning team pocketing a sizeable amount in terms of prize money.

More than anything, the financial gains should act as the biggest motivator for the players to give off their best for their respective teams.

Perhaps, Indian hockey is not dead after all! We shall know after the HIL if it’ll be alive and kicking, all over again.

Team watch

Delhi Waveriders

One of the strong contenders for the title, Delhi’s fortunes would depend a lot on the performance of their captain Sardar Singh. Delhi, who have a balanced side, have several quality players in their ranks, including strikers Simon Child and Gurvinder Chandi.

Captain : Sardar Singh

Coach : AK Bansal (Ind)

Key Players: Rupinder Pal Singh, Gurbaj Singh, Yuvraj Valmiki, Gurvinder Chandi, Lloyd Norris, Simon Child, Tim Jenniskens

Punjab Warriors

The indomitable Jamie Dwyers has the capacity to change the course of the match single-handedly. Punjab also did a good job by roping in Jap Stockmann, one of the best goalkeepers in the world, to man their post.

Captain : Jamie Dwyer

Coach : Barry Dancer (Aus)
Key Players : Jap Stockmann, Bharat Chetri, Ignace Tirkey, Lucas Ray, Shivendra Singh, SV Sunil

Ranchi Rhinos

With Moritz Fuerste in their ranks, Rhinos could not have asked for a better leader. The FIH World Player of the Year has won almost every title that is there to be won. Along with Floris Evers, Fuerste is likely to create much headache for rival teams.

Captain : Moritz Fuerste

Coach : Gregg Clark (SA)
Key Players : Ashley Jackson, Birendra Lakra, Muhammad Irfan, Floris Evers, Austin Smith

Mumbai Magicians

On paper, Mumbai Magicians are certainly not among the front-runners to clinch the title. The team may not have many great names, yet it cannot be written off as it has Ric Charlesworth as coach. Sandeep Singh’s drag-flicks would be a big factor too.

Captain : Yet to be announced

Coach : Ric Charlesworth (Aus)
Key Players : PR Sreejesh, Sandeep Singh, Glenn Turner, Imran Butt

Uttar Pradesh Wizards

Roelant Oltmans and captain Teun de Nooijer are both experienced campaigners and their vast knowledge would come handy for the Wizards who have a balanced side.

Captain : Teun de Nooijer

Coach : Roelant Oltmans (Ned)

Key Players : Tushar Khandekar, Luke Doerner, VR Raghunath, Rockey Lohhcab, David Alegre, Eddie Ockenden, Sander Baart