In a significant development for Indian hockey, Hockey India declared on January 9, 2024, that Herman Kruis would be stepping into the role of High Performance Director. This seasoned coach, hailing from the Netherlands, will be at the helm until September 2024, overseeing both the National Junior and Senior programs of Hockey India. His responsibilities will extend to managing the Coaches Education Pathway and other critical tasks aimed at enhancing the overall performance of Indian hockey.
Kruis brings a wealth of coaching experience spanning over two decades, making him a valuable addition to the Indian hockey ecosystem. Prior to his appointment as the High Performance Director, Kruis had been at the forefront as the Coach of both the Indian Men’s and Junior Women’s Hockey Teams. His primary focus during this tenure was to guide and prepare the teams for the prestigious FIH Men’s Junior World Cup and FIH Women’s Junior World Cup.
His coaching journey boasts remarkable achievements, notably serving as the Head Coach for Den Bosch ladies, a Netherlands-based club. Under his guidance, the team clinched the European Cup an impressive eight times consecutively, showcasing Kruis’s ability to foster a winning culture. His contributions to Dutch hockey extended further as he took on the role of National Head Coach for the Netherlands Indoor Women’s Hockey Team from 2006 to 2008, followed by leading the Netherlands Outdoor team from 2008 to 2010.
In his most recent coaching assignment, Kruis served as the National Head Coach for both the Belarus Indoor and Outdoor teams from 2016 until August 2023. His diverse coaching experience, coupled with an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of the sport, positions him as a strategic choice for the role of High Performance Director.
Notably, Herman Kruis holds the distinction of being a certified FIH Coach-Educator, underlining his commitment to promoting and developing coaching expertise within the sport.
Hockey India President Padma Shri Dr Dilip Tirkey expressed his satisfaction with Kruis’s appointment, stating, “Hockey India is delighted to appoint senior Coach Herman Kruis as the High Performance Director of Hockey India. He will oversee the various programs run by Hockey India, including the Junior and Senior programs. I wish Herman the very best as he assumes this new role.”
In response to his appointment, Kruis conveyed his excitement, stating, “I am looking forward to this new stint with Hockey India. The Indian teams are on the cusp of creating history, and I look forward to utilizing my expertise in helping the teams and Hockey India in achieving their goals for this year.”
The significance of Kruis’s appointment lies not only in his wealth of coaching experience but also in his track record of nurturing successful teams. As the High Performance Director, he will play a pivotal role in shaping the future trajectory of Indian hockey. His leadership will be instrumental in refining the skills of both junior and senior players, as well as fostering a robust coaching ecosystem through the Coaches Education Pathway.
Kruis’s entry into this key position reflects Hockey India’s commitment to bringing in seasoned professionals to drive the growth and success of Indian hockey on the global stage. With his strategic vision and proven coaching acumen, Herman Kruis is poised to make a lasting impact, steering Indian hockey towards new heights and milestones.
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