Hockey India League 2024: Jeremy Hayward excited about reunion with Harmanpreet Singh at Soorma Hockey Club

Jeremy Hayward had around 30 international caps and the World Cup under his belt when the 21-year-old was picked by Dabang Mumbai for the 2015 Hockey India League (HIL) season. The Australian defender also represented the same team in the following two seasons before the league shut down.

After seven years, HIL is all set to make its much-awaited comeback in a revamped form. And the much-improved and experienced Hayward – who has won two Commonwealth Games gold medals, two FIH Pro League titles and an Olympic silver medal since 2017 – will also take part.

Just like he did at Dabang Mumbai, Hayward will form the defensive unit of the same team with Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh – Soorma Hockey Club.

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“Last time it was a very good experience. I was in the same team as Harmanpreet and Gurjant (Singh). Now I’m playing with them again. You make very good friends with the Indians and all the other international players. It also gives a chance to experience India in a different way and explore the country. The things that India has to offer are really very special and I was really happy and grateful to have had the opportunity to come back,” Hayward said. Sports stars.

At Rs 42 lakh, Hayward is one of the top five overseas picks this time. However, the 31-year-old doesn’t feel like that’s something that will stick in his mind when he plays. “There’s always pressure, but when I play hockey, I do it to have fun. I do it for the love of the game and for the competition. If I’m playing for a lot of money or a little money, I wouldn’t treat it any differently. Of course there is pressure, but I think I will just enjoy the moment,” he said.

Disappointing Olympics and Australia’s transition period

For Hayward and Australia, this year has been one of great disappointment. The team clinched their second FIH Pro League title, but they were unable to retain or improve on their silver medal from the Tokyo Olympics and finished sixth in Paris.

The campaign also included a 3–2 loss to India, their first defeat against the tricolor nation at the Summer Games in over 50 years. Hayward appreciated India’s performance and also admitted that the Kookaburras were ready for a transition period.

Abhishek of India competes with Jeremy Hayward of the Kookaburras during the second match of the International Hockey Test Series between Australia and India at MATE Stadium on November 27, 2022 in Adelaide, Australia. | Photo credit: Getty Images for Hockey Australia

“We must pay tribute to India. They are improving. They are certainly among the best in the world. The Pro League and stuff like that brings the best teams a lot closer together. Belgium, Netherlands, Argentina, India, Australia or even Great Britain could have won this tournament in Paris,” Hayward said.

“Yes, a disappointing result for us. We have started our transition period after the Olympics and are preparing for the Los Angeles 2028 cycle as we have some withdrawals and roster changes. So it’s going to be an exciting time,” he added.

Five members of the Australian Olympic team – skipper Aran Zalewski, Andrew Charter, Matthew Dawson, Edward Ockenden and Jake Whetton – have already retired while a new head coach, Mark Hager, has been appointed.

Ready to leave

Hayward had a short vacation after the Olympics before heading to Germany to play the first half of the Bundesliga season with Der Club an der Alster, scoring 12 goals – the third highest total.

He returned to Australia for some rest but is now ready to make his presence felt in the HIL again.