PR Sreejesh and Graham Reid massive picks for Delhi SG Pipers in Hockey India League

In a season of sporting leagues now on in full swing, the return of hockey has generated enormous interest. Sample this, two press conferences in New Delhi on Friday and both revolving around hockey. If, at first, Hockey India confirmed the dates of the HIL (Hockey India League) to be held from December 28 in Ranchi and Rourkela, fans are now curious to see which marquee players go where after the auction in mid-October. There are eight teams in the men’s league and six in the women’s league. Indeed, for the women to have their own league is good since Indian sports has witnessed a burst of action from the ‘fairer sex.’

The way Manu Bhaker won two medals for India at the Paris 2024 Olympics and notable performances in the Paralympics as well, girls and women in Indian sport is no longer just about participation but wanting to excel. The Indian women’s hockey team did not qualify for the Olympics this time, but the HIL is sure to act as a catalyst for them over the years. After all, even the WPL – Women’s Premier League -- in cricket has generated enormous interest at home.

The fight for marquee players will happen from October 13 to 15, but if there has been a coup of sorts, its is PR Sreejesh and Graham Reid being roped in by the Delhi franchise, which is owned by SG Sports and Entertainment. Sreejesh is not a star, he is a superstar, what with his heroics in two successive Olympics in Tokyo and Paris 2024 now part of folklore. When he decided to call it quits even before he had left for Paris, Sreejesh had won the hearts of many sports fans at home. Yet, the way he guarded the goal in the latest Paris Olympics for India to won a bronze medal again, the durable custodian walked into sunset in style.

On Friday, if there was one man still creating a buzz, it had to be PR Sreejesh. The initial plan was Sreejesh would play the HIL but at the last minute he decided it would be better if youngsters entered the fray. As Director Hockey of the Delhi SG Pipers and with Graham Reid at the helm as coach of the men’s team, Sreeejesh will step into a new role. He is excited about it, though, if one had seen the interview requests he had to fulfil at a press conference on Friday, the guy is still a big draw.

Indian sport has seen players retiring from national duty and then plunge into the IPL, easily the biggest franchise sport model which is the cynosure of the world. Sreejesh has been smart in not going the same way. To think ahead and plan the Delhi men’s and women’s teams makes great sense. It is time for him to give back to the sport which has brought him name and fame. That Sreejesh and the Delhi team will have Reid as men’s coach is also big news. After all, the Australian had plotted the campaign as India won a bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics, three years ago. The Delhi side will have in Dave Smolenaars, a coach who has worked in Europe assiduously. He will be responsible for building the women’s team, something which has been acknowledged by the franchise as important.

Overall, for the Hockey India League to attract corporates is a very good sign. There have been previous leagues, like the PHL (Professional Hockey League), almost two decades ago. Then came the Hockey India League which also was a good event but suddenly stopped. However, the new league promises a lot where the auction bidding will be interesting. It is very important for India’s national game to have a league which will help both men and women as well as talented youngsters. In addition to live action, watching the teams play on television will also be consumed by an audience which still romances hockey.