A look at head coaches of all teams in Men's Hockey India League 2024-25

Former India coach Graham Reid returns as the head coach of Delhi SG Pipers.

The Men’s Hockey India League is set to finally kick off with the 2024-2025 edition taking center stage from December 28 to February 1 at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, Odisha. Following a seven-year hiatus, the number of teams has increased from six to eight, with the addition of new franchises to the league.

Before the league commences, let’s take a look at all the head coaches of all the teams competing in the Men’s Hockey India League here:

Delhi SG Pipers (Head Coach – Graham Reid)

Australia’s Graham Reid has been appointed as the head coach of the Delhi SG Pipers for the Hockey India League 2024-25. Reid is renowned for his tenure as the former head coach of the Indian hockey teams, which scripted history by clinching a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, also the nation’s first medal in men’s hockey in 41 years. 

Additionally, he served as Australia’s national team coach and assistant coach of the Dutch national team. With Reid’s extensive experience, Pipers certainly has a major boost as they feature in the revamped HIL edition.

Hyderabad Toofans (Head Coach – Pasha Gademan)

Pasha Gademan is taking charge as the head coach of Hyderabad Toofans in the Hockey India League. The 36-year-old coach from the Netherlands is best known for leading Canada’s hockey team during the Tokyo Olympics 2020.

Kalinga Lancers (Head Coach – Valentin Altenburg)

Kalinga Lancers has roped in Germany’s Valentin Altenburg as the head coach for the 2024-25 edition of the HIL. Altenburg was an instrumental figure in Germany’s bronze medal win at the Rio Olympics 2016, serving as the team’s head coach.

Rarh Bengal Tigers (Head Coach – Colin Batch)

Rarh Bengal Tigers will be headed by former international Australian player Colin Batch. He previously served as the head coach of the Australian national team for eight years before stepping down from the post in September 2024. In addition, he also coached New Zealand’s men’s team between 2013 and 2016.

During his international career, he made about 175 appearances and amassed 100 goals, helping the team to win multiple medals at the Olympics, and World Cups, among other prestigious competitions.

Also Read: Men’s Hockey India League 2024-25: Updated schedule, fixtures, results, live streaming details

Soorma Hockey Club (Head Coach – Jeroen Baart)

Jeroen Baart has been chosen as the head coach of the Soorma Hockey Club. He previously worked as the coach of the Belgium hockey team in 2021. Additionally, Baart will be assisted by one of India’s finest hockey players, Sardar Singh, who will also mentor the team during his stint.

Tamil Nadu Dragons (Head Coach – Rein van Eijk)

Having served as the head coach of Germany in junior and indoor competitions, Rein van Eijk has now been in charge of HIL team Tamil Nadu Dragons. In addition, Russell Garcia, an English field hockey coach, has joined the squad as the team’s analytical coach to assist Eijk, alongside assistant coaches Charles Dixon and VR Raghunath.

Team Gonasika (Head Coach – Paul Revington)

Paul Revington is a vastly experienced coach, having guided the men’s national teams of South Africa, Great Britain, Malaysia, and Ireland. He coached the Great Britain and England hockey teams after being appointed in April 2022 until stepping down from the role in September 2024.

Also Read: Meet the captains of all teams in men’s Hockey India League 2024-25

UP Rudras (Head Coach – Paul Van Ass)

With Paris Olympics gold medal-winning coach Paul Van Ass leading their squad as head coach, UP Rudras are expected to have a massive advantage. In addition to contributing to the Netherlands’ women’s team’s Olympic triumph, he also coached the Indian men’s team for five months in 2015.

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