Rein Van Eijk-Coached Tamil Nadu Dragons Excited About Delivering Big Impact in HIL

Expectations would be sky-high from Tamil Nadu Dragons as they brace up to turn in a power-packed performance in the 6th Men’s Hockey India League at Rourkela. The Charles Group-owned Chennai franchise would be looking to keep the Southern hockey flag flying high during the next four weeks of the much-hyped league. Under Netherlands coach Rein Van Eijk, who is credited with guiding Germany to the 2023 Junior Men’s World Cup glory at Kuala Lumpur, the Dragons are focused on delivering a performance that lives up to the expectations of their owner, supporters, and fans.

Read Colin Batch Upbeat About Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers Roaring in the Hockey India League

Tamil Nadu Dragons brings a ‘formidable quotient’ to the league with ace Netherlands drag-flicker and fullback Jip Janssen expected to not just man their deep defence but also score from short corners. He enjoys a good understanding with Irish goalkeeper David Harte as both have played club hockey for Dutch side Kampong. Talented German fullback Moritz Ludwig, who was part of Germany’s 2023 World Cup winning-side and silver-winning 2024 Paris Olympics side, would lend more strength to their deep defence alongside skipper and Indian defence mainstay Amit Rohidas, who can also be summoned for drag-flicking duties, if needed.

Read Onus on Foreign Players to Adapt to the Indian Style: Team Gonasika Coach Paul Revington

Tamil Nadu Dragons coach Rein Van Eijk shares his perspectives on how the team planned its roadmap at the auction. “Our strategy was clearly to land a solid international goalkeeper, with a big focus on PC attack and PC defense and we managed to get David Hartle. We wanted to get the best possible Indian national team centre-back and we think we got what we wanted in the form Amit Rohidas, who is not very good in deep defence, especially PC defending, but also a handy drag-flicker. Equally exciting to have guys like Shesha, Kothajit, Raheel, and Karti in our side,” says the Dutchman in an exclusive interview with Hockey Passion.

Read Hyderabad Toofans ‘Cautiously Optimistic’ Ahead of HIL Campaign

The midfield of the Tamil Nadu Dragons comprise vastly experienced German three-time Olympian and three-time World-Cupper Martin Zwicker – the oldest player of the league at 37 but still very efficient on the pitch. Two other overseas players – Great Britain’s Thomas Sorbsy and Australia’s Tom Craig give them a redoubtable look alongside talented Indian Mohammed Raheel Mouseen and talented Indian Railways player Shesha Gowda.

The Dragons’ forwardline would bank heavily on the Aussie duo of Nathan Ephraums and drag-flicking Blake Gover – both can cause a lot of sweat for the opposition – they would be backed by local boy Selvam Karthi, Uttam Singh among others.

Rein, who is one of the youngest coaches of the 6th Men’s Hockey India League alongside Hyderabad Toofans’ coach Pasha Gademan, believes the withdrawals of the Germany and the Netherlands forward duo of Thies Prinz and Duco Telgenkamp are a disappointment. “Both Duco and Prinz are quality players and not to have them is disappointment but we managed to get very good replacements in Martin Zicker and Thomas Sorsby. Duco had to drop out with a severe concussion, which has kept him out of Pro League as well,” he points out.

Read

The former German assistant coach feels that enjoying a familiarity with players surely helps in his job. “Look, I’ve worked with Martin Zwicker lot in Germany, and we know each other very well. We’re picking players who speak German, Dutch, or English as a mother language as communication is more easy. Martin played with Moritz Ludwig and similarly, David Harte has played club hockey together with Jip Janssen for Kampong. Most of these guys have played together outside the HIL at the club or national level,” he quips.

Read Foreign Players Who Withdrew from 6th Men’s Hockey India League

Young Indian forward Uttam Singh drew copious praise from the Dragons chief coach. “Uttam is an exciting player because he understands the game very well and can communicate. He has leadership qualities that he showed with the junior team. He has come back from an injury and we are hoping for great things from him,” he lavishes praise on the Uttar Pradesh lad.

Rein is optimistic about Tamil Nadu Dragons living up to everyone’s expectations in the league. “We have what it takes to reach the semifinals and beyond. Not many teams have experienced goalkeepers like us barring Soorma Hockey Club,” he says

He is aware of the opposition firepower in the league – teams that can challenge the Dragons. “Soorma Hockey Club is a very formidable outfit – they have Harmanpreet Singh – one of the world’s best drag-flickers as well as an impressive line-up of Indian players. Hyderabad Toofans and Kalinga Lancers would pose a threat as well,” he says.