Rein van Eijk’s Experience with Hockey India League (HIL)

• Head coach of Tamil Nadu Dragons, Rein van Eijk, is pleased with the HIL’s progress.

• Despite struggles, the Dragons have climbed to second place with a 6-5 win over Team Gonasika.

• Van Eijk, who guided Germany to the 2023 Junior Men’s World Cup title, supports the HIL and his team’s success.

• He appreciates the spectacle, media coverage, and interaction among world-class players in the league.

• Van Eijk is excited about leading an international team in Chennai.

• He believes that Hockey India has driven Indian and world hockey in previous editions, particularly the 2013 to 2017 block.

• Van Eijk’s leadership style is supportive, not authoritarian, and he believes this approach will be crucial in a situation with so many different cultures.

• The team has never reached the finals with an Indian goalie, a unique achievement in the Hockey India League.

• Irish goalkeeper David Harte and Tamil Nadu’s Senthamizh Arasu were chosen as potential successors.

• The team’s setup is designed for success and learning, with David and Prince Deep playing key roles.

• The team’s performance in the 2023 junior World Cup was praised for its technical soundness and innovative solutions.

• The team’s lack of a centralised system is seen as an advantage, making players more flexible and fresh for tournaments.