News 2015

New Delhi, 28 December 2014: Resembling the Harte Brothers of Ireland – David and Conor, Walmiki brothers – Yuvraj and Devinder alongwith their nephew Anup Amarpal will also be a centre of attention in the Hero Hockey India League 2015 as all the three talented brothers will represent three different franchisee teams and compete against each other for the top honour.

While forward player Yuvraj will represent defending champions Delhi Waveriders, his younger brother midfielder Devinder will play for Kalinga Lancers where as his nephew Anup Amarpal is the forward in the newly assembled Dabang Mumbai. The 23-year-old Yuvraj Walmiki leads the pack of his three family members and always played an important role in his brother and nephew’s career. The Mumbai-lad has a remarkable international career and has played several major international tournaments like Hero Hockey World League Finals 2014 (India), FIH Olympic Qualifier 2012 (India), FIH Champions Trophy 2012 (Australia), Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2012 (Malaysia) and Asian Champions Trophy 2011 (China).

For the upcoming Hero HIL 2015, all three will have immediate focus on their fitness. They are constantly practicing hard at their training ground in Mumbai and quite a regular at the gym. With their devoted work-outs in the last few months, they are rated as among the fittest hockey players. Yuvraj has to his credit of scoring five goals for the 2014 champion team Delhi Waveriders where he played along with Captain Sardar Singh, Simon Child, Jason Wilson and Nicolas Jacobi.

Yuvraj’s younger brother Devinder had a satisfactory season with the Kalinga Lancers last season where the midfielder played alongside Gonzalo Peillat, Lucas Vila, Kiel Brown and Ryan Archibald and played a vital role for his team’s strategies.

Unlike Yuvraj and Devinder, forward player and nephew to both, Anup Amarpal will make his Hero HIL debut this year for Dabang Mumbai where he will get lifetime opportunity to play and train with top international players like Matthew Swann, Glenn Turner, Floris Evers and star player Tom Boon.

Speaking on Devinder and Anup, Yuvraj Walmiki said, “This is a very emotional moment for us as we all are gearing up for Hero Hockey India League. This will be the first season that all 3 of us will be playing for the prestigious HHIL. We have been playing together since our childhood and we always dreamt to play together for India, but this platform will be a huge experience for all of us and we are really excited to join our respective teams soon. We are preparing together for the League and we all have to improving ourselves our level to match the international level that the League has attained in the last two editions.”

Speaking on Yuvraj and Anup, Devinder Walmiki said, “I am very happy to see Anup Amarpal in the Hero HIL this season. It’s great news for our family and our city Mumbai. Last Season was an impressive League for me and I have learnt a lot from it. It is a great experience to play alongside with the best players and getting tips from them. This season it will be more exciting as we will see new players and we three playing against each other will be an exciting clash. I am looking forward to the Hero HIL.”

Speaking on his maternal uncles, Anup Amarpal said, “I guess we Walmiki Family will make a hat-trick in the Hero HIL 2015 as for the first time, three members from the same family will represent three difference teams in the League. Earlier, I used to watch my uncles on Star Sports, now I will play against their teams. The credit of my presence in HHIL will go to my Yuvraj and Devinder uncles as they have given me all kind of help, tips and motivation. This League will also give me a huge opportunity to share the dressing room with the best international players and play alongside with them. I am very excited for the Hero HIL.”

The inaugural day of the 3rd Hero Hockey India League will see Kalinga Lancers taking on Ranchi Rays on22nd January 2015, in Bhubaneswar. Hero Hockey India League will be telecasted LIVE on Star Sports.