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UP Rudras coach Paul van Ass came out of the Hockey India League 2024 (HIL) men's player auction as a happy man. He was glad that his team were able to fulfill one of their major goals during the two-day-long affair. For van Ass, Hardik Singh's signing was a boost for them as the Rudras were adamant about getting him.
Van Ass opened up on the importance of picking Singh and what he brings to the table. The former coach of the Indian men's national team was in a conversation with Sportskeeda at the Hockey India League 2024 auction.
"We always wanted Hardik. He was a big target going into the auction. I feel he is one of the best players not just for India but in the world. His presence in the team gives us great confidence. He deservedly went for huge money and I think he now owes me a treat (laughs)," said van Ass.
Although the Rudras are proud of having Hardik in their team, there were also certain other players they were targetting. However, Paul Van Ass explained that the auction dynamic is such that you cannot have everything you want.
"We would have also loved to have Manpreet. The auction dynamic did not allow us as there are budgets and other stipulations. However, I feel he came up a little too early as the first lot of Indian Olympians were all going for high prices. Manpreet could have fetched even more if he came up later. The price a player gets does not always reflect his potential," the Dutch coach added.
"Indian hockey is on the right track" - Paul Van Ass expresses optimism with the return of Hockey India League
Paul Van Ass has spent significant time in India to be a good judge of Indian hockey's health in recent times. The Dutchman feels India's consecutive bronze medal triumphs at the Olympics must not be underestimated. For van Ass, the upcoming Hockey India League 2024 season will be the start of even better things.
"When HIL was last played, it gave a lot of talent to India. The team grew and went on to win two Olympic bronze medals. I believe Indian hockey is on the right track. The return of HIL is another step in the right direction and will go on to enrich the sport in India even more. I am very hopeful," concluded van Ass.
The involvement of the likes of Paul at the Hockey India League 2024 is a great way for the league to grow. The experience he brings shall greatly impact the young Indian players he shall be coaching.
