Dutch star Janssen eyes HIL glory with TN Dragons hockey

Dutch hockey player Jip Janssen at a practice session in Chennai ahead of the Hockey India League.
| Photo Credit: R. RAGU

CHENNAI: Talking with captain Amit Rohidas and engaging with other Indian young Indian players, drag-flick specialist Jip Janssen was a picture of confidence and composure on his first day of training at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium here on Sunday. ‘Upar Upar’ (in Hindi),” he shouts, with a wry smile, to his players, signalling them to play the aerial ball.

The 27-year-old defender, a part of the Netherlands men’s team, that won a gold medal in the Paris Olympics, is one of the key players for Tamil Nadu Dragons in the Hockey India League (HIL) beginning in Ranchi and Rourkela on January 28. Janssen, roped in by the Dragons for Rs. 54 lakh, is the second-highest paid foreign player after Gonzalo Peillat (Germany) for Hyderabad Toofans (Rs. 68L).

It was a different matter the Indian players who commanded significant bids with Harmanpreet Singh (Soorma HC) fetching Rs 78 lakh, Abhishek joining Bengal Tigers for Rs 72 lakh, and Hardik Singh signing with UP Rudras for Rs 70 lakh. Despite this, the Dutch defender felt that the top Indian players going for higher amounts was justified. Janssen said: “They (Indians) are amazing players. And besides you can only play five international players. So therefore, good Indian players are very worthy.”

According to Janssen, he is here to win the HIL for Tamil Dragons. “I don’t have any expectations. I’m just here to enjoy. And to have fun with the guys who train hard and hopefully win this thing,” he said.

Netherlands created history after it bagged a historic double when its men’s and women’s teams won a gold medal each at Paris Olympics. Also, the men’s team won the gold after a gap of 24 years. “I have very fond memories of Paris. It’s something that I’ll never forget and always cherish,” said the defender.

Janssen said the key for Netherlands’ success in Paris was its team chemistry and fighting spirit and the leadership role of its head coach Jeroen Delmee. “We were not, maybe, the best as individual players, but were the best team. And we were willing to fight for each other and willing to suffer for your teammates.”

TN Dragons will want to take inspiration from the Netherlands team in its quest to win the HIL.