After seven long years, the clarion call of the Hockey India League reverberates once again, and with it comes the rise of a new force—the Hyderabad Toofans. As the city of pearls readies itself to dazzle on the grand stage of Indian hockey, Hyderabad Toofans stands poised to storm the 2024 Hockey India League (HIL) with all the gusto of a mighty Telangana gale.
Much like the Irani chai and Osmania biscuits that seamlessly blend diverse flavors, this team exemplifies a perfect mix of international talent and homegrown grit, and aims to script their own chronicles in the annals of hockey. And amidst this august gathering of titans, the Toofans, under the stewardship of their indomitable coach Pasha Gademan, are ready to write a saga of their own.
The Return of HIL and Hyderabad’s Entry after a hiatus of seven years one would hope so, will rekindle the fire in hockey enthusiasts across the nation. For Hyderabad, a city with its roots deeply entwined in a rich sporting culture, the formation of the Hyderabad Toofans is like a new chapter in a timeless qissa.
The noble endeavor of owning this franchise falls to Resolute Sports, helmed by the visionary Sai Prakash as CEO, whose foray into volleyball with the Prime Volleyball League has already borne fruit. With unyielding resolve, he now seeks to replicate the triumphs of volleyball and aim to weave hockey into the vibrant tapestry of Telangana’s sporting spirit.
The ‘Deewan-e-Khaas’ of Coaches
No success story in Hyderabad is ever penned without a galaxy of stars, and the Toofans are no exception. As head coach of the Toofans, the Dutch Maestro Pasha Gademan brings in well earned respect and knowledge to this Hyderabad setup. Known for his compact defense and innovative approaches to building a team, Gademan has risen to the song as one of Europe’s most promising hats at the top.
He was the head coach of Canada in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and as an assistant coach, he helped Germany win the 2023 World Cup Cup and a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
He is well supported by assistant coaches Emily Calderon and Sanjay Bir, alongside Team Director Siddharth Pandey. Emily Calderon has established herself as a prominent figure in the world of field hockey through her role as a Senior Performance Analyst for the Belgium National Men’s team. Her contributions were pivotal in securing the team’s remarkable achievements like the World Cup victory in 2018 and the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
Under the guidance of coach Shane McLeod, Calderon has played an instrumental role in analyzing performance metrics that have propelled the team to international success at the European Cup in 2019 and several other prestigious tournaments.
As she transitions to her new role with the Hyderabad Toofans in the Hockey India League, expectations are high and her extensive experience in high-pressure environments will be invaluable. With Calderon on board, fans can anticipate a data-driven approach to strategies that will enhance player development and game tactics.
Her background suggests a strong focus on fostering teamwork and optimizing individual player strengths which could lead to significant improvements on the field. Given her proven track record, there is considerable optimism that she will help lead the Hyderabad Toofans to notable achievements in the league, potentially mirroring her successes with the Belgian national team.
Together, this ‘Deewan-e-Khaas’ forms the backbone of a team ready to take the hockey world by storm. Like the artisans of Laad Bazaar meticulously crafting their wares, the coaching team has sculpted the players’ skills through two training blocks held in Hyderabad.
A ‘Baithak’ of Midfield and Defense
The Toofans’ strategy revolves around a rock-solid midfield and a defense built like the granite walls of Charminar. Their marquee player, Gonzalo Peillat, is a master drag-flicker whose skills could turn any penalty corner into a poetry recital. Rourkela will roar its lungs out when Gonzalo Peillat, an Olympic Medalist with Argentina and a World Cup Medal with Germany steps onto its sacred turf.
Complementing him is Zachary Wallace, whose nomination for FIH World Player of the Year speaks volumes about his prowess. With stalwarts like Nilakanta Sharma, Sumit, and Maico Casella in the midfield, the Toofans boast a lineup as intricate as a Bidriware design. Nilakanta Sharma and Sumit Walmiki are members of the 2016 Jr Hockey World Cup winning Indian Team, and Olympic Bronze medalists from 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris.
On the defensive front, Arthur De Sloover, Matthew Dawson and the stalwart of India’s domestic hockey Devindar Walmiki stand as tough guardians. One would bite their tongues off in disgust and pain at the thought of not having seen Devindar in India colours for many years.
Hyderabad’s goalpost is guarded by Dominic Dixon, whose heroics in the Paris Olympics still resonate, and Vikas Dahiya, member of the Indian team that won the 2016 Lucknow Jr Hockey World Cup epitomizes the never-say-die spirit of a Hyderabadi. The Sonipat boy Vikas Dahiya was a part of the Indian hockey squad for Rio Olympics, 2016. Together, this core is primed to ensure that every attack on their turf is thwarted with the tenacity of Hussain Sagar’s waves.
The Kohinoors in the Crown
In a sport where goals are a scarce yet priceless currency, Hyderabad Toofans wield the rare privilege of fielding six drag-flickers. From the seasoned Gonzalo Peillat to the promising Rajinder Singh, the team’s ability to capitalize on penalty corners is unmatched.
This treasure trove of talent is further enriched by the youthful vigor of Shilanand Lakra from Kalijapathar village in Sundargarh district of Odisha. Lakra is a product of the SAIL Academy established in Rourkela in 1992.
This October, he travelled ‘Down Under’ to and represented HC Melbourne in the The Liberty Hockey One, Australia’s top-tier domestic competition.
A Vision To Build An Empire?
As the nights get colder and nearer to this spectacle, one would hope the vision of CEO Sai Prakash echoes the patience of a Hyderabadi biryani cooked to perfection and hovers around fostering young talent and building a cohesive team for years to come. Much like the city’s architectural marvels, this endeavor is designed to stand the test of time.
And in Siddharth Pandey, the fans would surely wish to see him embodying the balance of a perfect Dum ka Murgh. With youth on their side and seasoned players to guide them, the Toofans enter the league ready to face every challenge.
I personally went to the ground to watch the Toofans practice, and I humbly agree, their preparations have been meticulous and their strategies watertight—every bit a reflection of the meticulous craft Hyderabad is celebrated for.
As the Hyderabad Toofans prepare to face the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, they carry the hopes of a city that has always believed in miracles. With every flick of the stick and every save at the goal, Hyderabad Toofans are set to bring the city’s timeless spirit to life on the field.
May their campaign be as unforgettable as the stories etched in the stones of Golconda, as vibrant as the threads of Pochampally, and as enduring as the legacy of the land they represent.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Vikas Dahiya, Dominic Dixon, Bikramjit Singh.
Defenders: Akshay Ravindra Avhad, Mukul Sharma, Amandeep Lakra, Devindar Walmiki, Gonzalo Peillat, Arthur de Sloover, Jacob Anderson, Sundram Singh Rajawat.
Midfielders: Zach Wallace, Rajinder Singh, Darshan Vibhav Gawkar, Nic Woods, Rahim Aakib Sayyed, Maico Casella, Sumit, Nilakanta Sharma.
Forwards: Timothy Daniel, Shilanand Lakra, Rohit Singh Irengbam, Talwinder Singh, Arshdeep Singh.
Fixtures:
18:00 – December 29, 2024 – vs Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers
20:15 – December 31, 2024 vs Delhi SG Pipers
20:15 – January 04, 2025 vs Team Gonasika
20:15 – January 08, 2025 vs UP Rudras
20:15 – January 11, 2025 vs Soorma Hockey Club
20:15 – January 12, 2025 vs Kalinga Lancers
18:00 – January 18, 2025 vs Tamil Nadu Dragons
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