Sardar Singh joins Europe's iconic hockey club HC Bloemendaal
Talismanic Indian mid-fielder to fill gap after the recent retirement of legendary Dutch attacker Teun de Nooijer
- NDTVSports
- Updated: September 03, 2013 12:59 pm IST
The 2013 European Hockey League champions HC Bloemendaal have signed India's captain Sardar Singh. The extraordinary midfielder is filling the gap created after the recent retirement of legendary Dutch attacker Teun de Nooijer. Established in April 1895, Bloemendaal is one of the oldest field hockey teams in The Netherlands.
"The Dutch League is one of the most competitive in the world", said the 27-year-old India superstar, who represented Delhi Waveriders in the Hockey India League at the start of the year. "I am looking forward to honing my skills at the club after the Asia Cup. There is a lot to learn," said Sardar, who will be seen in action this month. India lost 4-3 to South Korea in the final of the Asia Cup at Ipoh on Sunday. (Also read: Can Samoa or Papua New Guinea spoil India's qualification?)
HC Bloemendaal club president Henry Goeman Borgesiuslaan was quick to praise the signing of Sardar. Writing on the HC Bloemendaal club website, Borgesiuslaan said: "Not only does Sardar bring a lot of experience to our squad, but he will inspire the youth of our club with his fame and charisma." (Pics: Asia Cup final)
Apart from Sardar, Bloemendaal have also acquired the services of Belgian international stars Tom Boon and Simon Gougnard. According to the international hockey federation website, Bloemendaal have not qualified for the upcoming EHL season, but their squad-strengthening efforts over the summer suggests that they are looking for a very quick return to the world's premier club competition.