New Delhi, 17 January 2015: With just a few days left for the prestigious Hero Hockey India League, all the teams are running the extra mile to leave no gaps in their preparations. As all the teams have the best and most talented hockey players, none of the teams are taking other teams lightly. Along with the players, coaching staff are working on their strategies on each team and implementing them on ground through various rigorous training sessions. In the 3rd season of the Hero HIL, the best players of the world from six different teams will lock horns to clinch the esteemed title from 22 January 2015 onwards.
Speaking after the practice session, Reolant Oltmans, Coach of Uttar Pradesh Wizards said, “The training of the players is going very well. The group practice is fine. The team is gelling well. It has been great going as far as our practice sessions are concerned and we are looking forward for a really great tournament this season.”
In another training session Santa Singh, midfielder of Dabang Mumbai said, “I am feeling good to play for Dabang Mumbai. I am having good experience training with such experienced team-mates. I am feeling lucky that I am getting to play with top players of the world from all different parts of the world. Playing in the HHIL is a good experience for a young player like me. We will try to play good game and we are hoping for a good result. We will give our 100% in every match that we play.”
Speaking about the atmosphere in Ranchi, Ranchi Rays’ midfielder Manpreet Singh said, “The atmosphere and weather in Ranchi is suitable for our practice sessions. Most of the players have adapted with the conditions here and we are working hard on our stamina, which matters the most in this sport. Our team enjoys a good support from the crowd and that is very motivational for us. We are looking forward to the HHIL and very confident that we will win the League this season.”
Delhi Waveriders’ midfielder Rupinder Pal Singh said after his hectic session, “We are working on various departments in our team and expecting a very good show from our side. In every practice sessions, we are working on different things and these sessions are very helpful for the players. As defending Champions, we are confident and our team is well-prepared.”
The opening day of the League will see Kalinga Lancers playing host to Ranchi Rays at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar.
The League will be telecast LIVE on Star Sports.