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Former Indian hockey stalwarts Sardar Singh and Rani Rampal have joined JSW Sports’ Soorma Hockey Club as mentors and Indian coaches for the upcoming Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 season. Sardar Singh, a legend of Indian men’s hockey, will take on the role of men's mentor and Indian coach for the men's team, while Rani Rampal, the face of Indian women’s hockey, will serve as the women’s mentor and Indian coach for the women's team.
JSW Sports owns Soorma Hockey Club, which represents Punjab in the men’s league and Haryana in the women’s. This will be the first edition of the Hockey India League to feature a women’s tournament.
Sardar Singh, who has previously led the Indian Men’s Hockey Team, boasts a decorated career with 314 international caps. He was named the Player of the Tournament in the inaugural season of HIL in 2013 while playing for Delhi Waveriders. Since retiring, Sardar has coached the Indian Sub-Junior and Hockey5s teams.
Sharing his thoughts on the new role with Soorma Hockey Club, Sardar expressed his enthusiasm to contribute to the development of Indian hockey players.
"I am eager to share my knowledge and help the young players from India reach greater heights along with the rest of the coaching team. This is an exciting project, and we will do everything to make it a success," said Sardar Singh in a press release by Hockey India League.
Meanwhile, Rani Rampal, often referred to as the "Queen of Indian Hockey," has amassed 205 goals in 254 international appearances. She is now keen to explore her potential beyond playing, stepping into the role of a mentor and coach.
Excited by the opportunity, Rani highlighted the significance of the Hockey India League for women’s hockey in India.
“I have been meaning to explore areas that the sport of hockey has to offer, beyond just being a player. So, when this opportunity to be a mentor and a coach for Soorma Hockey Club came my way, I decided to take it. This is the first time a league of this stature is being conducted for women in the country, and it is going to help raise the standard of hockey,” Rani said.
With the women’s auction scheduled for October 15, Rani and the Soorma Hockey Club are preparing to build a competitive squad.
"The auction is coming up soon, and we aim to assemble the best team in the League. I am looking forward to the season and will be giving all I can to help this team succeed," she added.
Soorma Hockey Club’s Support Staff for Hockey India League 2024-25
Men’s Team:
- Mentor & Indian Coach: Sardar Singh
- International Coach: Jeroen Baart
- Analytical Coach: Michael Cosma
- Technical Consultant: Arjun Halappa
Women’s Team:
- Mentor & Indian Coach: Rani Rampal
- International Coach: Jude Menezes
- Assistant Coach: Harvinder Singh
- Analytical Coach: Sean Dancer
The Hockey India League 2024-25 will be the sixth season of the competition and will run from December 28, 2024, to February 1, 2025. The player auctions are set to take place between October 13 and October 15, with the women’s auction on the final day.
