Harmanpreet Singh: Excited to Lead Soorma Hockey Club in HIL

Rourkela, Dec 26 (NationPress) The captain of the Indian men’s hockey team and exceptional drag-flicker, Harmanpreet Singh, has shared his enthusiasm as he prepares to lead Soorma Hockey Club in the forthcoming Hockey India League (HIL) season, which is set to begin on December 28.

Harmanpreet made history by becoming the most expensive player in HIL after being acquired by Soorma Hockey Club for Rs 78 lakh during the auction. He is excited to utilize his extensive experience and drag-flicking skills for the franchise.

"I am thrilled to embark on this new chapter of Indian hockey as a player for Soorma Hockey Club and to compete in the Hockey India League. This league offers an incredible platform for athletes to display their talents, and I look forward to making a significant contribution to the team's success this season," he remarked.

The HIL, making a comeback after a break, is expected to deliver thrilling action and feature elite talent from across the globe. As the tournament resumes after a seven-year gap, it coincides with the initiation of a Women’s League, the first of its kind in India.

"The influence of the HIL is evident in the current Indian men’s hockey team. Our success in the Olympics can be traced back to the exposure the league provided us at a young age. Competing alongside players we admire and facing them regularly has enhanced our skills more than we could have anticipated. With the Women’s HIL starting this time, I am confident it will elevate the Indian women’s hockey team to new heights in the future," he added.

The Soorma Hockey Club is coached by Jeroen Baart, with Indian hockey icon Sardar Singh serving as a mentor. Harmanpreet boasts an impressive record of scoring 205 goals in 234 appearances for the national senior team, and he aims to replicate this success in the HIL alongside world-class teammates such as Vivek Sagar Prasad, Gurjant Singh, Victor Wegnez, and Jeremy Hayward.

"The HIL promises to be a remarkable experience for all of us. It is set to be an exhilarating competition that will challenge us against our international teammates and push us to bring our best game. Representing Soorma Hockey Club in front of passionate fans is a great honor, and I am determined to give my all to secure success for the team," Harmanpreet concluded.