3 November 2026 (Navroze Bureau) For young hockey players at the Surjit Hockey Academy in Jalandhar, meeting a legendary international drag-flicker turned into a memorable learning experience. Dutch hockey great Floris Jan Bovelander joined a special training session with budding players, sharing technical tips and insights from his illustrious international career.
Bovelander was in Punjab after accepting an invitation from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to attend the Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2026. During his visit, he interacted with young trainees and coaches, giving them an opportunity to learn directly from one of the most recognised drag-flick specialists in international hockey.
The session was organised as part of efforts to encourage young players and strengthen hockey development in the state. Bovelander also participated in a joint training programme involving 37 coaches from Punjab and trainees of the Surjit Hockey Academy, which operates under the Punjab Government.
Bovelander shares drag-flicking techniques
The highlight of the visit was the practical drag-flick training session. Bovelander shared technical guidance with the young players, drawing on his experience of competing at the highest level of international hockey.
The drag-flick is one of the most important attacking techniques used during penalty corners. It allows a player to lift and direct the ball towards the goal with speed and precision. The skill requires a combination of body positioning, balance, timing, control and accuracy.
For aspiring drag-flickers, learning from a player who made the technique famous on the international stage offered a valuable opportunity. The interaction also allowed the youngsters to understand the importance of technical discipline and consistent practice.
Bovelander was accompanied during the programme by Olympian Gurjant Singh, Dronacharya Award recipient Jiwanjot Singh Teja and hockey coach Avtar Singh.
A legendary career in international hockey
Floris Jan Bovelander represented the Netherlands in 241 international matches between October 1985 and August 1996, scoring 215 goals. He was among the most feared penalty-corner specialists of his generation and earned the nickname associated with his powerful and accurate goal-scoring ability.
His career included major achievements at international tournaments. He was part of the Netherlands team that won the 1990 Hockey World Cup and also secured the gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. He had earlier won an Olympic bronze medal at the 1988 Seoul Games.
His contribution to Dutch hockey made him a recognised figure in the sport, particularly for his expertise in penalty-corner situations.
‘Indian hockey is incomplete without Punjab’
During his interaction with the media in Jalandhar, Bovelander praised India’s contribution to international hockey and highlighted Punjab’s role in the country’s hockey tradition.
He described India as a powerhouse of world hockey and acknowledged the contribution of Asian countries, particularly India and Pakistan, in popularising the sport internationally.
Recalling his association with Indian hockey, he said many of his memories were connected with players from Punjab, especially Sikh players. He also expressed the view that Indian hockey could not be imagined without Punjab.
His remarks highlighted the state’s long association with the sport and the contribution of its players to Indian hockey over several generations.
Punjab honours the Dutch hockey great
The Punjab Sports Department felicitated Bovelander in recognition of his contribution to international hockey. His visit also reflected the state’s efforts to connect young athletes with experienced international players and provide them with opportunities to learn from established sporting figures.
The invitation was extended by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann following his visit to the Netherlands in April 2026. Bovelander said he was surprised and honoured that the Chief Minister personally remembered him and invited him to Punjab for the tournament.
He also expressed his willingness to attend the Mohali leg of the Asian Champions Trophy, scheduled for November 4 and 5 at Olympian Balbir Singh Senior Hockey Stadium.
Asian Champions Trophy brings international hockey to Punjab
The Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2026 has brought international hockey attention to Punjab, with matches being held in Jalandhar and the upcoming Mohali leg forming part of the tournament programme.
Bovelander’s interaction with young players added a grassroots development dimension to the event. Beyond watching international matches, the youngsters got an opportunity to observe and learn from a player whose career was built around one of hockey’s most specialised attacking skills.
For the trainees at Surjit Hockey Academy, the session was not simply another practice day. It was an opportunity to receive guidance from a World Cup and Olympic gold medallist and take home lessons that could support their future development in the sport.