HIL will be a game changer for hockey: De Nooijer

New Delhi: Legendary Dutch midfielder Teun De Nooijer feels that the Hockey India League will be a "game changer" for sport in India as it can help the eight-time gold medal winners regain their past glory. "The league is really important for India. It would be a Game-Changer for the country. It will change the Indian hockey for good. It will also act as a game changer as the game is popular in India," De Nooijer told PTI in an exclusive interview.

The double Olympic gold medallist and three-time 'FIH Player of the Year' award winner feels that Indian youngsters will gain vital exposure due to this league. "The Indian team has done well in Champions Trophy as well as the Asian Champions Trophy. A top tie league like HIL will only help the youngsters in this country get better by playing alongside the greats of the game," De Nooijer elaborated.

De Nooijer feels that the Indian players can learn from the stars of the top countries like Australia, Germany and The Netherlands. "I think it's always good to learn. Look around and see what are they doing in Australia, Germany and The Netherlands. That will be a case in this league because a lot of players from these countries will be playing in this league. That will give the Indian hockey a lot of information about how they can improve themselves. I think it will be good for Indian hockey," he said.

The double Olympic gold medallist and three-time \'FIH Player of the Year\' award winner feels that Indian youngsters will gain vital exposure due to this league.

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