Salima Tete and Navneet Kaur, India’s captain and vice captain, will lead Soorma HC and SG Pipers in the HIL once more. (Credit: Hockey India)
The second edition of Women’s HIL comes at a critical juncture for Indian hockey. There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the national team, having missed out on World Cup qualification through Asia Cup and the subsequent departure of head coach Harendra Singh under rather controversial circumstances. A World Cup qualifier in Hyderabad in March offers the last chance to qualify for the marquee tournament, and players would be hoping to make their mark across four teams.
What’s changed: A coaching overhaul after finishing last in the first edition sees Belgium’s Sofie Gierts take over the reins. She has the rare distinction of having coached a men’s team in Belgium’s top division with Royal Uccle. With Navneet and Deepika, Pipers have opted for continuity in Indian talent.
What’s changed: Replacing inaugural season winners Odisha Warriors, the Ranchi franchisee had Harendra Singh at the auction table earlier this year. But since departing his role with the Indian team, he has switched to coaching the men’s Ranchi side. Junior national coach Tushar Khandker will guide the side that will be led by a local stalwart in Nikki.
What’s changed: The finalists of the first season, Soorma Hockey Club have perhaps the most settled set-up across two seasons. They retained their Indian core and former India international goalkeeper Jude Menezes returns as head coach. The key change that could make them title contenders is the addition of double-Olympic medallist Maria Jose Granatto for Rs 34 lakhs.
What’s changed: Deepak Thakur, former India star who was the assistant coach of the men’s team for the champions last season, takes over as the women’s head coach from Glenn Turner. The Tigers splashed the cash for the costliest signing at the auction for the second time in a row, this time bringing on board one of the greatest drag flickers in the women’s game, Agustina Gorzelany for Rs 42 lakhs