SG Pipers Coach Praises Young Indian Talent Ahead of HIL Season
Admiration for Young Players
Ranchi (Jharkhand) [India] - December 24: Sofie Gierts, the Head Coach of SG Pipers, has expressed her deep appreciation for the skill and boldness exhibited by the young Indian athletes in her team. She emphasized that their innate talent and mindset are significant advantages as they embark on their initial training sessions.
During the early days of practice, Sofie noted the confidence and instinctive gameplay of emerging stars like Ishika and Sunelita Toppo. Their expressive playing style has quickly made them stand out, as highlighted in a statement from the Hockey India League (HIL).
Sofie encouraged her players by saying, “Play without fear. The technique is there, the instincts are there, and most importantly, they are not afraid to try things. That is something very special.”
A former Belgian international who has played for over a decade and one of the few women to coach a men's team at a high level, Sofie believes that Indian players contribute a unique identity to the sport.
She elaborated, stating, “There is a spontaneity and creativity in their hockey. You do not want to take that away. You want to add structure around it so they can repeat those actions consistently at the highest level.”
While the primary goal is to foster a collective understanding among the players, Sofie is optimistic about their long-term potential. She remarked, “If you give these players the right environment, the right support, and time, they can go very far.”
As the team prepares for the upcoming season, the SG Pipers coaching staff is focused on merging youthful enthusiasm with seasoned international experience. They will kick off their season against Ranchi Royals on December 28, featuring a robust lineup of Indian talent, international stars, and Olympic medalists.
In the previous HIL 2024 season, the SG Pipers women's team struggled, finishing last with only one victory in six matches. With the revamped HIL set to begin on December 28, they are determined to improve and aim for the championship, starting their campaign against Ranchi Royals in Ranchi on the opening day of the competition.