David Harte: Playing in the HIL and Earning Money is a Rare Opportunity

New Delhi, Dec 6 (NationPress) Irish hockey icon David Harte is readying himself for a demanding six weeks of competition in the reinstated Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 season, which kicks off on December 28. Harte was purchased by Tamil Nadu Dragons for Rs 32 lakh during last month's auction and is expected to play a crucial role in the team's campaign.

"I'm currently sitting in my car outside my hockey club SV Kampong, dealing with six-degree temperatures and stormy winds, preparing for a goalkeeper training session with my coach Martijn Drijver. I'm striving to maximize my preparation, even though our season just concluded about ten days ago. After taking some time off, it’s about finding the right balance between staying fresh while aiming for peak performance in the HIL," Harte shared with IANS regarding his HIL preparations.

The 36-year-old is thrilled to return to the HIL, having previously played for Mumbai Magicians and Dabang Mumbai from 2014 to 2017, viewing it as a financial opportunity to secure his family’s future.

"Most hockey players understand that opportunities to compete in the HIL and earn money during those seven to eight weeks are not commonplace in our careers. While earnings are significantly lower compared to cricket or IPL standards, the financial support can truly transform one’s life. It can serve as a down payment on a new home or assist with tuition fees for your children’s education," he explained.

When asked about his immediate objectives in the HIL, Harte highlighted the importance of developing rapport with his teammates and acclimating to the team environment before pursuing the championship. "Initially, my focus is on helping the team blend. I have experience playing in various leagues across Europe and Asia, including the Malaysian Hockey League and the HIL. It’s always a challenge to foster team cohesion at the outset," the Irish goalkeeper stated.

"The diversity in backgrounds, cultures, and languages makes it tricky to learn each other’s names quickly, which applies to all eight teams in the different franchises. That’s the short-term goal. As for the long-term goal, it will involve building over the coming years. Every franchise, including ours, aims to win, and that’s certainly our aspiration as Tamil Nadu Dragons."

Harte, who has experience in various European and Asian leagues, noted that the HIL is more intense due to its shorter duration compared to others.

"The league formats differ in Europe, where seasons typically span a longer time frame. For instance, the first half of the season may last three months, followed by a winter break before concluding with another three months leading to playoffs. In contrast, the HIL and Malaysia feature shorter durations, often around eight to nine weeks, with previous editions being slightly longer," he elaborated.

"Maximizing performance in such a condensed timeframe poses a significant challenge, especially since leagues in Europe allow more time for individual development. The key challenge in leagues like the HIL is how rapidly you can progress from point A to point B, recognizing that progress won’t always be linear. There will be ups and downs, but maintaining a focus on group goals is essential. That’s a major distinction," the former Irish hockey captain expressed.

Harte looks forward to teaming up with Yip Jansen from the Netherlands and Amit Rohidas from India as part of Tamil Nadu Dragons. He believes that the HIL serves as a fantastic platform for local talents to showcase their skills and secure their futures.

"I’m genuinely excited to experience what the league has to offer. Reflecting on my fond memories from prior editions of the Hockey India League adds to my enthusiasm. The league provides an opportunity to engage with international players, some of whom may be former club teammates like Yip Jansen, alongside established Indian players like Amit. Additionally, there are many undiscovered talents who have the chance to shine on this platform, potentially leading to future Olympic appearances and high-level competitions," he noted.

Looking back on his previous stint in the HIL with the Mumbai Magicians, Harte recounted an interesting conversation with Indian goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak, which became relevant earlier this year during the Paris Olympics.

"I remember my time with the Mumbai Magicians back in 2017 when I first met Krishan Pathak. I told him that if he continued to develop his athleticism, reflexes, and skills, he could potentially become the next Indian No.1 goalkeeper. Seven years later, I found myself walking in the Olympic Village with him. That’s quite remarkable," he reminisced.