SG Pipers launched as Delhi franchise in Hockey India League; Sreejesh becomes hockey director
New Delhi, October 4 (IANS). SG Sports, Media and Entertainment (SGSE), part of APL Apollo Group, announced the launch of its franchise SG Pipers for the upcoming Hockey India League (HIL).
With a great team of managers and coaches, this franchise is ready to take the HIL by storm, making a comeback after 2017.
Veteran Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, a two-time Olympic medallist, has been appointed by the franchise as the Director of Hockey, making him one of the most high-profile names in the league. Apart from this role, Sreejesh will also play the role of a mentor to help nurture young talent.
Sreejesh will oversee the technical operations of hockey for SGSE and will look to make the team a strong franchise for HIL.
Former Indian men’s hockey team coach Graham Reid, under whose tenure India ended their 41-year wait by winning an Olympic medal at the Tokyo Games in 2021, has been appointed as the head coach of the SG Pipers men’s team. While Dutchman Dave Smolenaers has been made the head coach of the women’s team. Smoleners is currently serving Indian Hockey as the analytical coach of the national women’s team. Smoleners, an FIH Grade 1 coach, has won two consecutive world titles for the Netherlands junior women’s national team.
The SG Pipers are determined to build a successful and enduring hockey franchise.
Speaking on the group’s entry into the Hockey India League, Rohan Gupta, Founder, SG Sports, Media and Entertainment said, “Hockey is truly the national game of India and it is a great honor for us to be associated with the rich heritage of Indian hockey. We have the biggest motivation and are committed to building a strong culture for the game. With names like Sreejesh, Graham and Dave in our squad, I am sure the franchise will make an impact in an exciting HIL season.”
A legend in Indian hockey, the recently retired Sreejesh played a key role in India’s double gold medal wins at the Asian Games in 2014 and 2022, besides being an inspirational personality for a generation of hockey players.
Speaking on his new role as Director of Hockey of SG Pipers, PR Sreejesh said, “I am excited to take over the charge of SG Pipers as Director of Hockey. After my retirement as a professional athlete, I am looking forward to leading the country I want to groom the next generation of hockey players and give back to the game that has given me so much. I look forward to working with some talented youngsters and helping build a strong team culture at SG Pipers. ”
Returning for its sixth edition after a gap of seven years, the Hockey India League will feature eight men’s and six women’s teams and will be played from December 2024 to February 2025.
–IANS
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