Paris Olympics: Big change in Indian hockey team before Paris Olympics

Before the Paris Olympics 2024, a major change has been made in the Indian hockey team. Netherlands goalkeeping specialist Dennis van de Poel has once again returned to the support staff to help the men’s team prepare. Van de Poel has previously worked with Indian goalkeeper Khana Chahiye. For the first time he joined the Indian team in 2019.

The Indian team is currently participating in the national coaching camp at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. Joining the Van de Poel camp, the trio will work closely with goalkeepers PR Sreejesh, Krishna Pathak and Suraj Karkera to prepare them for the upcoming competition.

Hockey India President’s statement

The 10-day special goalkeeping camp under the supervision of head coach Craig Fulton will conclude on March 26, a week before the team leaves for the Australia tour. Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey said, “This is a very important phase for the Indian men’s hockey team. In their quest to reach the podium again at the Olympics, Hockey India is ensuring that they get all the necessary facilities.”

What did Tirkey say on Dennis’s return?
Van de Poel had organized two special camps for the Indian team in July and September ahead of the Asian Games last year. Tirkey added, “We are delighted to add Dennis to the team who has been working with this group of goalkeepers for almost four years and knows what changes need to be made to improve them.”