Begin typing your search above and press return to search.

Hockey

From reserve to star: Drag-flicker Jugraj Singh's HIL transformation

Jugraj Singh’s HIL performance marks his rise from a reserve player to a world-class drag-flicker, showcasing power, precision, and maturity.

From reserve to star: Drag-flicker Jugraj Singhs HIL transformation
X
By

Sudipta Biswas

Updated: 2 Feb 2025 1:23 PM GMT

Jugraj Singh's game is built on brute power, a characteristic that has always been his signature.

However, he struggled for years with accuracy and control, critical elements for any drag-flicker aspiring to do well at the international level.

At the 2024-25 Hockey India League (HIL), his moment finally arrived. Jugraj’s game reached a new level, as he outshone some of the world’s best drag flickers, including Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh, Germany's Gonzalo Peillat, Netherlands' Jip Janssen, Belgium’s Alexander Hendrickx, and Australia’s Jeremy Hayward to grab the limelight.

On a day when the Hyderabad Toofans started strong, with Peillat scoring twice from penalty corners, Jugraj showcased his magnificent form and ability to handle the pressure of the big occasion in front of a highly charged up crowd at the Birsa Munda International Stadium.

In a span of ten minutes, Jugraj slammed a brilliant hat-trick, leading the Rarh Bengal Tigers to the title triumph.

He finished the tournament with 12 goals, the most by any player, ahead of Dutch star Thierry Brinkman, who scored 10 field goals.

All of Jugraj’s goals came from penalty corners, solidifying his reputation as one of the best in the game and marking his long-awaited emergence as a mature penalty corner specialist.

For a player who has yet to cement his place in the Indian national team and has spent major international events like the FIH World Cup and the Olympics on the reserve bench, Jugraj’s performance in this highly competitive league demonstrated his evolution into a world-class player. His feat marked his arrival in the elite circle of drag-flickers globally.

Overcoming struggles with accuracy

Not long ago, Jugraj struggled with accuracy. Two years ago, when two-time Olympic medal-winning Dutch drag-flicking expert Bram Lomans was brought in for a special session in Bhubaneswar before the World Cup, he pinpointed Jugraj’s issue. Lomans noted that while Jugraj had the power to become a great drag-flicker, he lacked control over his execution.

This inconsistency hindered Jugraj's reliability, and as a result, coaches found it difficult to take a punt on him. Despite being part of the Indian team, Jugraj had to wait patiently on the side lines, learning from others.

At the HIL, however, Jugraj found the mentorship and support he needed. Veteran Rupinder Pal Singh, the former Olympic-medal-winning drag-flicker of India, took him under his wing, providing guidance both on and off the field.

Rupinder Pal Singh (left) with Jugraj Singh in the final (Photo credit: HIL)

Jugraj also benefited from the entire Rarh Bengal Tigers’ setup, led by coach Colin Batch, who believed in his potential. Surrounded by experienced players and a supportive coaching staff, Jugraj flourished in the salubrious environment, particularly in high-pressure situations like the final.

Rising on the big occasion

While Jugraj stood out throughout the tournament, he did not fizzle out in the final when it mattered most. Against a spirited Hyderabad Toofans side, who had frustrated world-class drag-flicker Harmanpreet by denying him several attempts in the semi-finals, Jugraj converted his penalty corners with remarkable precision.

Jugraj’s ability to keep goalkeeper Bikramjit Singh - who was outstanding in the limited gametime he had in the season, even making the best look ordinary with his acrobatic saves - guessing, allowed him to score with ease.

He first levelled the score at 2-2 before putting Rarh Bengal Tigers ahead by beating Bikramjit to his left. Although Peillat later equalised, Sam Lane sealed the victory for the Tigers.

But the hero of the match remained Jugraj for his unwavering ability to perform under pressure and make fewer mistakes, both as a defender as well as a drag-flicker.

"I am really happy tonight. I scored a hat-trick and could to do this in front of such a big crowd is really great. I am grateful to the Rourkela hockey fans," Jugraj said to the Hockey India League social media handle after the match.

While Jugraj excelled with his drag-flicking prowess, he also impressed as a defender throughout the tournament by making pinpoint tackles, blocking shots, and intercepting the ball to launch counterattacks.

In the semi-final, when the Tamil Nadu Dragons tried to rattle the Bengal Tigers’ defence, Jugraj held forte of the defence by blunting the Dragons’ relentless attacks.

He will now hope to replicate this success with the national team. With Craig Fulton, India’s head coach, keeping a keen eye on the game, Jugraj could very well find opportunities when the Bhubaneswar leg of the FIH Pro League begins.

Next Story