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The Hockey India League (HIL) 2024 is set to witness a thrilling season with the Delhi-based franchise, SG Pipers, making a strong statement by assembling a formidable coaching staff. The team announced on Friday the appointment of Graham Reid and Dave Smolenaars as chief coaches for the men's and women's teams, respectively. Adding further strength to their coaching lineup, SG Pipers has appointed former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh as the Director of Hockey and mentor for the franchise.
Reid, a seasoned coach with experience as India's chief coach, will be joined by Shivendra Singh in the men's team dugout. On the women's side, Smolenaars, currently the analytical coach with the Indian national women's team, will be assisted by BS Ankitha and Tushar Khandker. The announcement of the complete list of teams for both the men's and women's HIL competition adds to the anticipation for the upcoming season.
Beyond assembling a world-class coaching team, SG Pipers is committed to long-term involvement in the sport. Sanjay Gupta, the team owner, emphasized the need to create opportunities and support for sports beyond cricket. He highlighted the disparity in medal wins between India and China at the Olympics, emphasizing the need for greater investment in other sports to nurture talent. The franchise aims to build a feeder system at the grassroots level to develop local talent.
Mahesh Bhupathi, SGSE CEO and renowned tennis legend, expressed his enthusiasm about Sreejesh joining the team. He highlighted the long-term vision for the franchise and the importance of building a full-time structure. He also acknowledged the widespread recognition of Sreejesh's expertise and his ability to inspire the team. Bhupathi further explained the strategic decision to own both men's and women's teams, emphasizing the growing significance of women's sports in India.
The appointment of a distinguished coaching staff, coupled with the franchise's commitment to long-term development, signifies a promising future for SG Pipers in the Hockey India League. The team's focus on nurturing grassroots talent and promoting women's sports aligns with the vision of fostering a flourishing hockey ecosystem in India.