Former Indian Men’s Hockey Team star Affan Yousuf is ready to make a comeback with Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers in the inaugural Hockey India League (HIL). After being away from the national setup since 2017, Affan is hopeful that his performances in the league will pave the way for his return to the Indian team.

Affan, known for his midfield prowess, had previously represented Jaypee Punjab Warriors and Dabang Mumbai in the HIL’s earlier editions. However, the league’s suspension in 2017 coincided with his last international appearance at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. Since then, Affan has remained committed to honing his skills, fueled by the desire to re-enter the national scene.

Reflecting on his journey, Affan said, “It was my own dedication; I wasn’t satisfied with just having donned the Indian jersey and securing a job. Till the last day, I want to play hockey with complete dedication.” His persistence has paid off, as his recent performances in domestic tournaments, like the Hockey India Senior Men Inter-Department National Championship 2024, helped bolster his confidence ahead of the HIL auction.

“I kept playing domestic hockey regularly to stay sharp. There was constant speculation that the HIL would return. So, myself, Talwinder, and Devender Walmiki – a few of the guys who were part of the Indian setup before – had it in our minds to be ready in case opportunities like this arise,” Affan said.

The auction was a tense moment for the midfielder, who faced initial uncertainty. “I was expecting teams to pick me based on my performance in the Senior Nationals and previous tournaments. But when the auction was underway, a few players who I thought would definitely be picked went unsold, and it made me doubt if any team would bid for me. My heartbeat shot up in anticipation when my name was called, but thankfully, when the bidding began, I felt a wave of relief crash over me,” he recalled.

Affan was eventually picked by Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers for 11.5 lakhs, solidifying his spot in the league. “I am very excited to play with the forwards in our team; they are among the best in the league, in my opinion. We have strong Indian forwards who have just returned with a Bronze medal from the Olympics and some world-renowned names like Florent van Aubel and Sam Lane. As a midfielder, it is a great opportunity for me,” he expressed.

Affan Yousuf is optimistic about his chances in the league and believes that HIL provides a unique platform to showcase talent and secure a place in the Indian team. “I feel very happy to have been given this chance. The HIL is a platform where, if you play well, no one can keep you out of the Indian team. The biggest names in the world will play in this league, and if you can go toe-to-toe with them, you can definitely carve a way for yourself into the team,” he concluded.