Harmanpreet Singh Takes the Helm as Captain of Soorma Hockey Club Ahead of HIL Season Opener in Rourkela
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Rourkela, December 27 (NationPress) Soorma Hockey Club has officially appointed Harmanpreet Singh, a double Olympic bronze medallist, as the captain for the upcoming season of the Hockey India League (HIL), which kicks off on December 28 in Rourkela.
The Arjuna awardee and two-time FIH Best Player of the Year shared his excitement about leading the franchise based in Punjab and Haryana. "I’m eager to lead this remarkable team and represent a region that is dear to me. It’s both a privilege and an honour," said the talented drag-flicker.
He emphasized the team’s preparation and unity following a successful pre-season camp at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Chandigarh. "We have formed a strong bond during the camp. Many of us have played together over the years, and we’re joined by some promising young talents and seasoned international players. Our objective is straightforward – to secure the trophy," added the captain of the Indian men's team.
Jeroen Baart, the head coach of Soorma Hockey Club, commended Harmanpreet’s leadership attributes. "Harmanpreet’s vast experience as the captain of the Indian Men’s Hockey Team, his ability to maintain composure under pressure, and the respect he has earned from both Indian and international players make him the ideal leader for our team. We look forward to seeing him in action this season," he noted.
The team features an impressive roster, which includes Indian stars Vivek Sagar Prasad, Gurjant Singh, Maninder Singh, Sunit Lakra, and Mohit HS, as well as international talents such as Jeremy Hayward from Australia, Nicolas Poncelet and Victor Wegnez from Belgium, Vincent Vanasch, a goalkeeper with an Olympic gold medal, Boris Burkhardt from the Netherlands, and Nicolas Della Torre from Argentina.
Soorma Hockey Club will commence their inaugural season on December 29 against the Tamil Nadu Dragons at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela.
