Hockey India appoints Dutch coach Herman Kruis as High Performance Director

Listen to Story Hockey India has made a significant move by appointing Herman Kruis, a Dutch coach with an extensive background in coaching, as their new High Performance Director. This appointment was officially announced on Tuesday, January 9th, 2024. Kruis is set to hold this position until September 2024, during which he will be responsible for overseeing both the national junior and senior programs, including the Coaches Education Pathway and other related tasks.

Kruis's coaching career spans over two decades, during which he has achieved notable success. He has previously been at the helm of the Indian men's and women's junior hockey teams, guiding their preparations for their respective FIH Junior World Cups. His expertise also includes a successful tenure as the head coach of the Dutch club Den Bosch ladies, leading them to eight consecutive European Cup titles.

Additionally, Kruis served as the head coach for the Netherlands indoor women's hockey team from 2006 to 2008 and the Netherlands outdoor team from 2008 to 2010. Before joining Hockey India, he coached the Belarus indoor and outdoor teams from 2016 until August 2023. Herman Kruis is not only recognized for his coaching achievements but also for his role as a certified FIH Coach Educator.

His appointment has been met with enthusiasm, as expressed by Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey, who extended his best wishes to Kruis for his new role. Kruis himself has shared his excitement about the opportunity, stating his eagerness to contribute to the Indian teams' potential for making history and achieving their goals for the year.

This strategic decision by Hockey India is aimed at enhancing the performance and development of hockey in the country, leveraging Kruis's vast experience and coaching acumen to elevate the sport to new heights..