First round won, PHL seeks Hendriks’ vote for 4 more years

In what could be the surest sign yet that the fledgling Premier Hockey League has a bright future, Spanish coach Maurits Hendriks has given ...

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In what could be the surest sign yet that the fledgling Premier Hockey League has a bright future, Spanish coach Maurits Hendriks has given it a glowing endorsement. And is considering backing up his words with action, by extending his contract as the PHL’s technical advisor.

Hendriks has been offered a four-year contract by the organisers and he told The Indian Express he was in the process of considering it. ‘‘I have been impressed by the whole conduct of the league, the professionalism and genuine efforts of the organisers, and I am very favourably inclined towards it,’’ he said, speaking from Spain.

However, he refrained from detailing what his responsibilties would be under a new contract. ‘‘The ultimate aim of all the parties concerned is to improve the final product and my aim would be towards that. What that would entail is not decided as yet. But yes, I am very favourable to the whole idea, and the long-term contract only reinforces the seriousness of the organisers,’’ he reiterated.

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Hendriks also revealed that he is in the process of completing a detailed evaluation report on the PHL’s first edition, which ends this coming weekend. ‘‘The report will touch upon all aspects of the PHL: The format, the facilities to the players, the coaches and the training to them, the facility and communication with the media, everything,’’ he said.

Hendriks, however, has ruled out coming back to Hyderabad for the final stages of the league. ‘‘Unfortunately, my commitments with Spain will not allow me to return this year,’’ he said.

But he said that he has been keeping track of the PHL and is impressed with the output so far. ‘‘Several of the veterans and the young guns have played some good hockey so far. Obviously there is a lot more to learn but playing in a really competitive league with some of the best players in the country — and the world — definitely puts one in a positive frame of mind. The PHL experience would do the new players, and the game, a world of good.’’

However, despite his obvious admiration for the Indians and the PHL, Hendriks ruled out any deeper involvement with the game in the country, at least in the near future. ‘‘I have had brief discussions with (IHF president) KPS Gill and Jothikumaran, but I cannot reveal them, they were of a personal nature. For now, I am completely committed to Spanish hockey’’, he said.