News 2015

New Delhi, 11 November 2014: Continuing with its bid to have world class officiating administrators on board, Hero Hockey India League today announced the appointment of Gavin Hawke and Muthukumar Balakrisnan as Assistant Tournament Directors for the third edition scheduled to commence from 22nd January 2015 – 22nd February 2015. With both Gavin Hawke and Muthukumar Balakrisnan coming on board as the Assistant Tournament Directors, the tournament is set to see a boost in the smooth flow of communication and management in the conduct of its matches.

Speaking on his appointment, Mr. Gavin Hawke said, “It’s an honour for me to be a part of the third edition of Hero Hockey India League as the Assistant Tournament Director and I will aim at adding my experience to the requirement of the position and ensuring seamless operational work on all aspects and during the entire League. I am happy to be associated to this League as this is only Hockey League across the world and which has world class players on board competing in the tournament”.

Having worked as a technical official for three years at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup played at Malaysia, Gavin was seen gracing the position of a Tournament Director at the tournament this year. He was also appointed as a judge at the XX Commonwealth Games, Glasgow 2014. His other tournaments include the 2011 Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy and the Olympic Qualifier Tournament held at New Delhi. Hawke was the Tournament Director for 2012 World League Round 1 competition in Suva, Fiji followed by the Australian Youth Olympics, Sydney in the year 2013. In the meantime he also contributes to Hockey New Zealand’s U21 and National Hockey League competitions as a Tournament Director.

Currently, Gavin Hawke is the Chairman of Umpires for North Harbour Hockey, the second largest hockey province in New Zealand and coaches a high school 1st XI.

Commenting on his new association with HHIL, Mr. Muthukumar Balakrisnan said, “Working with Hero Hockey India League is surely a privilege for me. This is my second season with the tournament and I am fondly anticipating it to kick start so that I get an opportunity to put my efforts in the progression of the event and at the same time add experience to my career.  So much talent on a single platform will be a great delight to witness and monitor.”

A retired Lt. Colonel, Muthukumar Balakrisnan has a vast experience in umpiring and various technical table works. The second season of HHIL saw him as an International Assistant Tournament Director. He was the judge/technical officer at the 2014 Champions Challenge, 2014 Rabobank Hockey World Cup (Men) and a technical officer at the recently concluded 17th Asian Games, Incheon 2014. Mr Balakrisnan was also assigned as a Tournament Director for the 2nd Asian Champions Trophy 2012 (Qatar), 1st Men’s and Women’s Asian Challenge 2013 (Thailand) and 3rd Men’s and Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2013 (Japan).

Speaking on the appointments, Hero Hockey India League, CEO Ms. Elena Norman said, “We are delighted to have Mr Gavin Hawke and Mr Muthukumar Balakrisnan on board with us and we welcome them warmly in the third season of the Hero HIL. With all their prized experience and enthusiasm I am sure the duo will contribute immensely in taking the tournament to a new height of success.”