HIL: UP Rudras announces Hardik Singh as Captain for the coming Season

UP Rudras, the Lucknow-based franchise of the Hockey India League, has announced Team India Vice-Captain and talismanic midfielder Hardik Singh as its squad captain.

The Arjuna Award winner, who also received the prestigious FIH Player of the Year Award in 2023, has earned 140 caps for Team India. He will lead a talented squad under the guidance of gaffer Paul Van Ass and Technical Director Cedric Dsouza.

UP Rudras have assembled a strong squad that also features young sensation Priyobarta Talem, and Gurjot Singh along with some of the stalwarts of Indian and international Hockey, including Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Simranjeet Singh, Lars Balk, and Kane Russel.

“A true leader on and off the pitch, on behalf of the entire Yadu Sports family, I would like to congratulate Hardik on being announced as the team captain. I had a chance to meet Paul, Thomas, and Cedric at the auctions, and I was delighted to know that our coaching staff had successfully managed to scalp all their right targets," said Mr. Madhavkrishna Singhania, Co-Founder, of Yadu Sports.

I believe that the squad we have assembled is full of leaders, and they have all it takes to play mesmerizing hockey and win the people's hearts. The bigger, better, and bolder version of the Hockey India League is bound to further revive India’s stature as a global hockey powerhouse, and I believe a competition of this stature has the capability of nurturing future leaders.” He added.

Paul Van Ass, the head coach of the team said, “Hardik was our first pick at the auctions and we were sure of him leading the side. Having seen him consistently do well for India and being a part of the Indian team that won two back-to-back Olympic bronze medals is no small feat. We are sure that with his ability to understand the nuances and intricacies of the game, he will not only lead the team well but will also bring the best out of those around him.”

Hardik Singh expressed his excitement and gratitude towards his new role. "I am extremely grateful to our management staff for giving me this opportunity. It will be nothing less than a pleasure to lead UP Rudras in this season of the Hockey India League. Representing and captaining a team based out of the legendary Dhyanchand Ji’s hometown is everything a player can ask for."

"We have a fantastic squad with strength across every department, and, more importantly, I am delighted to lead a side that shares a common love and passion for the sport, we are eagerly waiting to wear the UP Rudras jersey and step onto the field to give it our best." Hardik praised his team's passion for the sport.

The UP Rudras will begin phase 1 of their campaign in the league by taking on Vedanta Kalinga Lancers on 30th December 2024 at the Birsa Munda Stadium in Rourkela.