Hockey India League: Shamsher Singh, Jacob Whetton named co-captains for Delhi SG Pipers, Navneet Kaur to lead women’s side | Hockey News
Indian midfielder Shamsher Singh and Australia’s Jacob Whetton will co-captain the Delhi SG Pipers for the first edition of the revamped Hockey India League, the franchise announced on Friday. Navneet Kaur will captain the women’s team.
The league returns after a seven-year hiatus, and kicks off in Ranchi on December 28 with the final scheduled for February 1. The league’s first-ever women’s tournament will take place from January 13 to January 26.
Delhi coach Graham Reid explained the strategy of having co-captains for the franchise. “Having been involved with two or three Hockey India Leagues before, I think it is really important to get both groups — the international players and the Indians — together so this makes sense to me,” he said, adding: “I have always said, you need to have a leadership group, not just one leader, you need a group to help bring things together. One of the motives is to engage the younger players.”
All Hail the Co-Captain! 🙌The heart of our team, the leader of our journey in #HockeyIndiaLeague – Our co-captain is here with a message of passion!🏑#DankaBaja #DelhiSGPipers @shamsher_31 @TheHockeyIndia @HockeyIndiaLeag @16Sreejesh @Maheshbhupathi @reidgj @DiggySinghDeo pic.twitter.com/Y3GLHpTWgQ
— Delhi SG Pipers (@DelhiSG_Pipers) November 29, 2024
In a team that includes Indian national team members who won the bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, like Jarmanpreet Singh and Raj Kumar Pal, Shamsher ended up being the most expensive buy and is relishing the opportunity of leading the team.
“I will take the responsibility of captain and express myself. I am very excited to play in the Hockey India League. It will be a good learning curve for us. I have worked with Graham before and know his style of play which will help us in the league,” Shamsher said.
Drumroll, please! 🥁
The wait is finally over! Meet our Women’s Team Captain as she shares her excitement for the upcoming #HockeyIndiaLeague. 🏑💪#DankaBaja #DelhiSGPipers #SteelArmy @navneetkaur_25 @TheHockeyIndia @HockeyIndiaLeag @16Sreejesh @Maheshbhupathi @DiggySinghDeo pic.twitter.com/duo14eljYv
— Delhi SG Pipers (@DelhiSG_Pipers) November 29, 2024
After going unsold in the auction, Delhi swooped up Whetton to replace the injured Dutchman Jorrit Croon. From having no place in the league to leading a franchise, it has been quite the journey.
Ready to lead, ready to inspire! Introducing our Men’s Team co-captain as he is ready to lead us to glory in #HockeyIndiaLeague!🏑#DankaBaja #DelhiSGPipers #SteelArmy @whetty12 @TheHockeyIndia @HockeyIndiaLeag @16Sreejesh @Maheshbhupathi @reidgj @DiggySinghDeo pic.twitter.com/b2xKNMSJCu
— Delhi SG Pipers (@DelhiSG_Pipers) November 29, 2024
“I am really excited to lead this new franchise with Shamsher and put together a really strong squad to play some fantastic hockey for all of our fans. I can’t wait to get over to India and meet all of my new teammates and look forward to leading this group to some amazing victories,” Whetton said.
The Delhi-based franchise was clear in who will lead their women’s side for the four-team league competition. “Navneet is a leading figure of the national team. I have already experienced in the last few months that she is very communicative. She is very easy with the players as well as the staff and she is a winner. She never allows herself to give 99 percent, it is always 100. Also, an important point to note is that for developing Indian hockey you need an Indian captain,” Delhi’s women’s coach, Dave Smolenaars, said.
Navneet shared the enthusiasm. “I am truly honoured and excited to take this responsibility. I can’t wait to play alongside such talented players. I have good faith in my team,” she said.
