Mumbai midfielder set to play under coach van Ass in European Hockey League
Hockey star Devindar Walmiki has been roped in by a leading club in the Netherlands to play in the European Hockey League.
Devindar Walmiki
The Mumbai-based Olympian Walmiki and another Indian player Harjeet Singh have been signed up by Dutch club HGC for the season 2019-20 during which they will feature in the upcoming Euro Hockey League matches.
Walmiki and Harjeet, both former Indian midfielders, will join the Dutch club which is returning to the EHL for the first time since winning it in 2011.
They will make their debut on October 4 in Barcelona.
The 27-year-old Walmiki was part of the Indian squad for the 2016 Olympics and has 48 caps to his credit.
The 23-year-old Harjeet was the captain of the Indian side that won the junior World Cup in 2016. He has 52 caps for the national side.
Two Indian hockey players have been engaged by The Netherlands club to play in the European Hockey League. “They are the latest newcomers to an overhauled panel from the line-up that finished third in the Netherlands last season with coach Paul van Ass returning to the club in style,” the club said in a statement.
“It is with great pride and a lot of happiness that I would like to officially announce and confirm my joining Dutch Hockey Club HGC for the coming season,” Walmiki mentioned, who plays for Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited in all major domestic tournaments in the country.
“As an Olympian who has played sport at the highest level this will be a great challenge for me as everyone associated with the sport knows that the ultimate level for Club Hockey is in Europe and HGC is not only one of the top teams in The Netherlands but also competes in the EHL, which is the biggest club competition in the hockey world,” the former Indian star stated.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family, my friends, all my coaches and my teammates and the Mumbai Hockey management. Most importantly, everyone associated with HGC Hockey Club for showing faith and trust in my talent and ability especially the coach, Paul van Ass, with whom I have had the pleasure of working with before and look forward to working with again.” he further added.