The dawn of a new era in Indian hockey is upon us, and at its heart stands the much-anticipated return of the Hockey India League (HIL). For Hyderabad Toofans, the journey is more than just a story of sticks and turf and a saga of ambition, innovation, and determination to rekindle the nation’s love for its national sport. In the saddle of this very journey is Mr. Sai Prakash Kommireddi, the visionary CEO of Resolute Sports and the driving force behind the Toofans.
Under his stewardship, the Toofans have quickly become a team to watch with world-class players and a coaching mastermind in Pasha Gademan. But building a successful franchise in hockey, a sport often overshadowed by cricket’s staggering dominance in India is no small feat. It demands not just a passion for the game but also a strategic acumen to navigate the labyrinth of financial sustainability, player dynamics, and audience engagement.
In an exclusive interview for Field Vision, Sai Prakash delved deep into the nuances of his leadership, the aspirations behind Hyderabad Toofans, and his vision for Indian hockey. From tackling the complexities of the player auction to fostering a team ethos that marries individual brilliance with collective purpose, Prakash offers insights into what it takes to build a franchise that not only wins matches but also wins hearts.
Sporting background and admiration for MS Dhoni
Hailing from the illustrious “Kommireddy” family known for its rich sporting heritage with nine Ranji Trophy players, Sai Prakash grew up immersed in a world where sports was as integral as academics. “I come from a very sporting family,” he quoted, reflecting on the environment that shaped his journey. “My father was a great sportsman—an excellent tennis player, a skilled cricketer, and a remarkable billiards and snooker player. Growing up, our household was one where the emphasis wasn’t solely on academic marks; being part of the sporting world was just as important.”
Prakash credits his parents for instilling this balance and fostering a love for sports in him and his siblings. “That is the greatest legacy my parents have given us,” he said with heartfelt gratitude.
When asked about his all-time favorite sportsperson, Prakash didn’t hesitate to name MS Dhoni. “For me, Dhoni is unparalleled—a great athlete, an extraordinary player, and one of the finest captains both on and off the field. As a leader, he stands out as one of the greatest I’ve ever seen.”
Zafar Iqbal the childhood hero
From a hockey perspective, Prakash holds deep admiration for Zafar Iqbal, the legendary left half, Olympic Gold Medalist, and an academic achiever. Iqbal, who earned a Civil Engineering degree with distinction from Aligarh Muslim University, exemplifies the perfect blend of athletic excellence and intellectual prowess, making him one of Prakash’s all-time favorites in the sport. “As a child, I was captivated by Zafar Iqbal’s game. I can never forget his surging runs into the deep; he was an absolute inspiration and remains one of my all-time favorites in hockey,” Prakash added.
Personally, as an ardent lover of Indian hockey who grew up worshipping legends like Mohammed Shahid, Zafar Iqbal, Dhanraj Pillay, and Mukesh Kumar, it is a rare and cherished moment when I encounter a kindred spirit who shares my orthodox passion for the game—especially someone from my own hometown. Such was the sense of kinship I felt during my heartfelt conversation with Sai Prakash, a fellow Vizagite.
As a native of Visakhapatnam, I could count on one hand the true connoisseurs of hockey I had the privilege to meet. Speaking to Sai Prakash was as rare as taking a leisurely stroll through the silent afternoons of Madhavadhara and Seethammadhara. It was a conversation that transported me home, not just in spirit but in sentiment—a heartfelt reminder that the essence of the game, much like the charm of our beloved city, continues to endure in hearts like his.
This deep connection to hockey and its timeless spirit finds a natural extension in Sai Prakash’s professional journey. With a profound passion for sports and a legacy steeped in excellence, he now channels this ethos into his role as CEO of Hyderabad Toofans, leading the franchise with the same dedication and vision that defined his upbringing.
Building on his admiration for his hockey idol like Zafar Iqbal who embodies both athletic excellence and intellectual brilliance, Sai Prakash’s leadership approach is rooted in a similar commitment to excellence. With a profound respect for the sport’s rich legacy and an unwavering belief in nurturing talent, Prakash is now channeling this ethos into his role as the CEO of Hyderabad Toofans. His leadership is not only shaped by the game’s legacy but also by the forward-thinking vision of Resolute Sports, a vision that aims to transform the sports ecosystem in India.
Resolute Sports and the vision of fostering Sporting ecosystems in the country
Prakash elaborated on the foundational vision behind Resolute Sports and the future of Indian hockey and shared his insights into the foundational vision of Resolute Sports and the future of Indian hockey.
“Mr. Alok Sanghi founded Resolute Sports with a clear mission in mind—to create a thriving ecosystem for sports in India,” Sai Prakash began. “He recognized the immense potential of Indian sports, and his goal has always been to contribute to its growth. Mr. Sanghi is committed to providing athletes with the recognition and rewards they deserve, and this philosophy has shaped our approach at Resolute Sports. Our focus has been to nurture non-cricket franchises, and that’s why we initially ventured into volleyball, followed by our strong commitment to hockey.”
With a clear vision to build a sustainable ecosystem for Indian sports, Mr. Alok Sanghi’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the future of the Hyderabad Toofans. “Mr. Sanghi’s vision is to build an environment where Indian athletes can flourish,” Prakash remarked, and emphasized the profound impact of Sanghi’s leadership. “He’s young, ambitious, and brings a level of focus that’s rare. The opportunity to work with him and manage this vision is both inspiring and motivating.”
This alignment of strategic direction and industry support has paved the way for Hyderabad Toofans’ entry into the Hockey India League with the mission of creating a lasting imprint on the world of sports.
Auction strategy
This vision became the driving force behind the team’s successful approach to assembling a competitive squad. In convening a competitive squad for the Hyderabad Toofans, Sai Prakash and his team faced the dual challenges of budget constraints and fierce competition in the player auction. Yet, through a meticulous and strategic approach, they successfully overcame these hurdles.
“We divided the entire auction process into three distinct segments,” Prakash explained. “First, we focused on building a solid Indian core, with players from the Olympic team and other frontline Indian players. Secondly, we ensured a strong presence of emerging juniors, and thirdly, we sought to bring in high-quality international talent.”
The process was a collaborative effort, with Hyderabad Toofans’ coach Pasha Gateman, assistant coach Emily Calderon, and key team members Siddharth Gautam and Siddharth Pandey working closely to identify the best talent.
According to Prakash, the team was fortunate to have a deep understanding of both the domestic hockey landscape and the international player pool. “We knew which players, both from India and overseas, would thrive in this kind of format,” he said.
What sets the Hyderabad Toofans apart, according to Prakash, is the combination of seasoned players and rising stars. He pointed to the inclusion of renowned international players like Gonzalo Pellet, as well as homegrown heroes like Vikas Dahiya, a 2016 Junior World Cup winner. “This blend of experience and youth has made our squad unique and formidable,” Prakash added.
The Hyderabad Toofans have cultivated a team that strikes a remarkable balance between seasoned expertise and fresh talent, a strategic mix that has made them a formidable force in the league. Yet, as Sai Prakash navigates this journey, he acknowledges that the path to success is rarely without its obstacles.
Challenges due to players opting out of HIL
In discussing the challenges faced by the Toofans during the Hockey India League season, Prakash reflected on the impact of player withdrawals and how they shaped their strategy. “It definitely affected us,” he admitted. “We had initially selected Jean-Paul Danneberg as our first-choice goalkeeper, but after his withdrawal, we managed to bring in Dixon, who is equally capable. However, the withdrawal of a few players did influence our plans.”
Despite the setbacks, Prakash maintained a pragmatic perspective on the situation. “This is the first year of the league, and the good part is that the withdrawals have been timely. In contrast, we see players withdrawing just before the start of major leagues like IPL, sometimes citing reasons a month prior to the season. In the IPL, after 14 years, they’ve even introduced penalties for such withdrawals.”
He further went on to add, ” The Hockey India League is still in its early stages, and withdrawals are to be expected, especially when foreign players are involved. It’s something we’ll need to work around, and next year, we will have a better understanding of whom to bid for and who might withdraw.”
Prakash emphasized that these challenges, while impactful, were not unexpected in a league still finding its footing. “It’s not a major factor that we weren’t prepared for,” he concluded. “It’s all part of the learning process as we continue to grow the league.”
Coaching decisions paramount of team’s success
This very mindset also shapes his approach to the coaching staff at Hyderabad Toofans where careful thought has gone into building a team capable of navigating the demands of the league’s evolving landscape.
Prakash is firm in his belief that their coaching decisions are integral to the team’s success moving forward. “Our choice of coaching staff was driven by a clear vision,” Prakash explained. “We felt that Pasha Gademan, Emily Calderon, and Robin Akil as the scientific advisor would bring the right expertise, especially considering the long-term goals we have set. We need a solid fitness foundation, along with tactical strength.”
Prakash acknowledged that Pasha Gaidman’s European coaching style might be unfamiliar to Indian players accustomed to the 5-3-2-1 attacking system. However, he remains confident in the process. “The recommendation from our hockey core was that Pasha is the right person for the job, and his past success with other teams reinforces that belief,” Prakash shared. “I agree, it’s a different approach, but I’m certain that as the season progresses, our players will adapt. Ultimately, when you bring a coaching team together, you have to trust in the process and the collective expertise they offer. And I have 100% confidence in our coaching staff.”
While Sai Prakash is confident in the team’s coaching approach and the long-term benefits of adapting to a new playing style, he also sees the broader picture of hockey’s growth potential in India. He pointed out that while the coaching philosophy may be a shift for Indian players, the foundations for success are already being laid. “We are building for the future,” Prakash emphasized, signaling his commitment to hockey’s larger growth strategy.
Thoughts on hockey’s growth as a commercial sport in India
Expanding on this vision, Prakash firmly believes that hockey holds immense potential to rise as a commercial sport in India, positioning itself as a strong contender to cricket. “In my opinion, if there’s a sport in India that can be second only to cricket, it’s hockey,” Prakash stated.
He highlighted several key factors that make hockey a natural fit for success in the country. “India plays world-class hockey, and it’s the national sport, played across villages and towns throughout the country,” he explained. Additionally, the fast-paced nature of the game, with matches lasting just over an hour, offers thrilling action that is sure to captivate audiences.
Prakash is confident that the Hockey India League (HIL) has the potential to become as commercially successful as the IPL, provided the right steps are taken. “The future of the HIL depends on how we market the sport, how we sustain the interest, and how the franchises work together to build a lasting foundation,” he emphasized.
Drawing comparisons to the early years of the IPL, Prakash pointed out that the road to profitability in leagues is often a gradual one. “I remember that between 2009 and 2016, none of the IPL teams made money. It wasn’t until the third cycle of media rights in 2016 that profits began to materialize,” he recalled.
According to Prakash, the key to success lies in effective marketing, solid financial backing, and a deep understanding of sports business. “Every league depends on these factors, as well as the long-term vision of how the governing body, like Hockey India, conducts the league to ensure its viability and growth,” he concluded.
Building on the importance of a strong business foundation, Prakash stressed that the success of the Hockey India League is not just about the financial and strategic decisions but also about its role in shaping the future of Indian hockey.
Youth exuberance and importance of the HIL exposure
As the national team continues its pursuit of a World Cup medal, Prakash sees the league as a pivotal element in the development of talent. “At any given time, there are 48 Indian players on the field playing world-class hockey against some of the best international players. This exposure is invaluable,” he remarked, highlighting the league’s impact on the next generation of players.
He further elaborated on the long-term benefits of the league, predicting that over the next few years, the depth of talent in Indian hockey will increase dramatically. “In two to three years, the top 20 players will become the top 40. The depth of the team will grow, and players will get accustomed to playing with different techniques and strategies,” Prakash shared.
He acknowledged that the success of the national team, including their recent bronze medal victories, can be attributed in part to the impact of the HIL, which has contributed to raising the standard of Indian hockey.
As the conversation rolled back years of his experience and expertise, Prakash noted a significant shift in the auction process this year which has seen a greater focus on Indian talent compared to previous years. “This year’s auction was India-focused, with key players like Vikas Dahiya and Amandeep Lakkar making the roster,” he said, expressing his satisfaction with the increased prominence of Indian players in the league.
He believes that the HIL will continue to be a major platform for nurturing talent and developing future stars.
For players like Rajender, who recently made his debut for the Indian team, the experience gained in the HIL is invaluable. “Rajender, for example, is now playing alongside world-class players and will have gained immense experience by the time he plays his next international match,” Prakash said confidently. In his view, the HIL is laying the foundation for a future where Indian hockey has at least eight to ten stars who can shine on the world stage.
The impact of the Hockey India League (HIL) on players like Rajender highlights the league’s role in shaping the future of Indian hockey. With such experiences, Prakash firmly believes that the league is fostering the development of future stars, ultimately strengthening the sport’s presence on the global stage.
Aim to revive hockey in Hyderabad
As the Hyderabad Toofans aim for success both on and off the field, Sai Prakash is equally focused on ensuring the team’s lasting legacy within the city. His long-term vision extends beyond the league to a deeper integration of hockey into Hyderabad’s culture. “We would love to see Hyderabad owning Hyderabad Toofans,” he emphasized, outlining a plan to activate and revive the city’s hockey community.
Prakash further outlined the importance of grassroots development, with schools being a key focal point. “Schools are a very good place to start a grassroots program,” he noted, highlighting the need for a broader, more inclusive approach to growing the sport.
Through tournaments and other initiatives, the team aims to create a larger hockey community, ensuring that the next generation of fans and players are cultivated. These efforts, Prakash believes, will help sustain excitement for the Toofans and the league for years to come.
A long story very shortly put, as the winter winds of change sweep through South Central India, Hyderabad Toofans and their fans have much to look forward to.
As the team takes to the turf in Rourkela, they carry with them not just the hopes of a franchise but the aspirations of a nation ready to embrace its sporting heritage once more.
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