FPJ Exclusive: Two-time Olympic Champion Moritz Fuerste Credits HIL For Indian Hockey's Rise

German hockey legend and two-time Olympic champion Moritz Fuerste felt Hockey India League (HIL) played a big role in India’s resurgence as a hockey power in the last decade.

The Germany great, who is in India for the Hyrox racing fitness event in Mumbai, stated the HIL was a catalyst for India producing quality players and eventually becoming a force to reckon with and winning Olympic medals back to back in Tokyo in 2021 and Paris in 2024.

“It was definitely an important reason for the HIL to be on the rise. I remember 2012 playing against India was like there were not engaging with other players. They didn’t have the confidence on the pitch. They were struggling with video umpires and making tough calls. I think HIL helped Indian hockey to mature. Especially for Indian players to talk to and interact with international players and train with them. That stepped up their game.”

Furste revealed that the likes of Manpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh have come a long way since he first interacted with them.

“I remember Manpreet and Mandeep were with me at Ranchi and we had to explain to them what man marking was and how to build the game. Now I think they are leading the Indian side. The Indian players were always the best individual players in the world. But just in terms of how the structure of the game is and very good progress there. Now they are among the top 5 countries in the world,” he added.

Talking about India’s plans to bid for the 2036 Olympics, Fuerste was not in favour of it as he felt there was still a long way to go for the country.

“ My personal opinion I think that there would be lot of work for India to do to host the Olympics. I came to India in 2005, 20 years ago. The way India changed in last 20 years is incredible. I still think there is a lot of work to do. I feel 2036 might come a bit early as far as I’m concerned but I hope one day the Olympic Games come here. But it would be a toiugh job to do in just 10 years from now.”

When asked about the finest moment of his accomplished career, Fuerste refused to pick a single moment and emphasised on the whole experience.

“It’s really impossible to compare the moments that I was experience throughout my career. The trophies I won and the individual assignments that I had and the titles and World Championships was great. Winning an Olympic medal for the first time just blows my mind and there are a few other tournaments that I prioritized and I lived those moments in a big way and feel very fortunate. Every single tournament created its own story. The first year when I played Hockey India League (HIL) and the way people appreciated the HIL was amazing, the professionalism they had, I was not used to that in German hockey,” he added.

“Winning HIL title with Ranchi Rhinos in 2013 was a tremendous experience. I wouldn’t pick up a moment because I enjoy all the moments.”

The German had a lot of praise for Indian goalkeeping legend PR Sreejesh.

“He’s just a shiny figure. He was an amazing goalkeeper but he was smart enough to showcase the stuff. We have several shiny figures and good communicator and the big international players like Sreejesh. I have only respect for him.”

Talking about the Hyrox event being held for the first time in India, Fuerste recounted the genesis for the event.

“The genesis behind the event was when I saw that many people were going to the gym but there was no sport behind that process. I was a hockey player and I went for hockey training and during the weekend, I went to the hockey games. So everyone who is going to the gym and did endurance , we tested this aspect and it worked for us. It now globally works.”

Fuerste was excited for the growth of the race in India.

“This year we have about 93 events globally. First time in India, we are excited for the event. This is very comparable to all other markets. We have roughly 1600 participants here, I think that’s a pretty decent number for the first time. We have seen this in other markets too and the growth trajectory is quite similar and normal growth.”

“I think we are very much suited for the Indian market. It’s a country where its not easy to do sport outside. I think the actual idea of putting an event like this is to acclimatize to the conditions outside. It will take some time but its very good for the Indian market,” he added.