Dutch Star Thierry Brinkman to play for Kalinga Lancers for HIL 2024-25, Excited to Play in India Again

New Delhi: Dutch hockey sensation Thierry Brinkman is set to light up the Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 season as a marquee signing for the Kalinga Lancers. The return of HIL after a seven-year hiatus has generated tremendous excitement, and Brinkman’s inclusion is expected to be one of the highlights of the tournament.

The forward, instrumental in the Netherlands’ gold medal triumph at the Paris 2024 Olympics, expressed his enthusiasm about playing in India, a country renowned for its deep passion for hockey. “I am looking forward to playing in Rourkela. The stadium there is the most beautiful hockey stadium in the world. We played some great World Cup games there in 2023. Good memories,” Brinkman shared, recalling his experiences at the iconic venue.

Brinkman is equally excited about the opportunity to connect with Indian fans and play alongside local players. “For this year’s HIL, I’m really looking forward to playing for the Indian hockey fans. Being teammates with Indian players would be special,” he said, highlighting the league’s unique ability to bring together top talent from around the world.

The auction system of HIL has also impressed Brinkman, who finds it fascinating and innovative. “The whole system with the auction is unique. There was a lot of interest from the press because of the concept where teams can ‘buy’ players. It’s really nice that the HIL is back after seven years,” he remarked.

As a professional athlete, Brinkman views HIL as a vital platform for both performance and financial support. “The Hockey India League brings an incredible opportunity for players like me to not only perform on a global stage but also to interact with fans and teammates from across the world. Moreover, hockey, combined with sponsorships, is currently my primary source of income, so, HIL is also a big financial boost for me in that sense,” he added.

With Brinkman’s signing, the Kalinga Lancers are set to benefit from his world-class skills, while fans can anticipate thrilling hockey action in the highly competitive league. The HIL 2024-25 promises to be a celebration of the sport’s revival in India, with players like Brinkman adding star power to its comeback.