The North News
Dutch hockey legend Floris Jan Bovelander has praised Punjab’s contribution to Indian hockey, saying the sport in the country cannot be imagined without the state.
The 1996 Atlanta Olympics and 1990 World Cup gold medallist was in Jalandhar after Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann invited him to watch the Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2026. Speaking at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium, Bovelander said he was honoured that Mann remembered him and personally invited him to the tournament.
The former Netherlands drag-flicker recalled meeting Mann during the Chief Minister’s visit to the Netherlands in April this year, saying his passion for hockey had left a lasting impression.
“I was both astonished and honoured that CM Bhagwant Singh Mann remembered me and personally invited me to be part of the prestigious tournament,” he said.
Bovelander, who represented the Netherlands in 241 international matches and scored 215 goals between October 1985 and August 1996, described India as a powerhouse of world hockey.
He also highlighted the contribution of Asian countries, particularly India and Pakistan, to the Olympic movement and the global popularity of hockey.
Recalling his association with Indian hockey, the former drag-flicker, popularly known as Flop, Floppie and Boem Boem Bovelander, said Punjab had played a major role in taking the sport to the international stage.
He said many of his memories of Indian hockey were associated with players from Punjab, particularly Sikh players, adding that Indian hockey was inseparable from the state’s contribution.
During his visit, Bovelander joined a training session with 37 coaches from Punjab and young players at the Surjit Hockey Academy, run under the Punjab Government.
Accompanied by Olympian and medal-winning hockey player Gurjant Singh, Dronacharya Award recipient Jiwanjot Singh Teja and coach Avtar Singh, he shared technical tips with young trainees during a drag-flick training session.
The Punjab Sports Department felicitated Bovelander in recognition of his contribution to hockey.
He also expressed his willingness to attend the Mohali leg of the tournament on November 4 and 5 at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior Hockey Stadium.
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