Punjab Newsline | Jalandhar
Dutch hockey legend and Olympic and World Cup gold medallist Floris Jan Bovelander has praised Punjab's significant contribution to Indian and international hockey, saying that Indian hockey cannot be imagined without the state.
Bovelander expressed his delight at being invited by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to witness the Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2026, currently underway at Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar.
Recalling the Chief Minister's visit to the Netherlands in April this year, the legendary drag-flicker said he was both surprised and honoured that Mann remembered him and personally invited him to attend the prestigious tournament.
“I was both astonished and honoured that CM Bhagwant Singh Mann remembered me and personally invited me to be part of the prestigious tournament. The invitation reflected the Chief Minister's immense love for hockey, and I made it a point to travel to Jalandhar,” he said.
Describing India as a powerhouse of world hockey, Bovelander highlighted the contribution of Asian countries, particularly India and Pakistan, to the Olympic movement and the global popularity of the sport.
Reflecting on his association with Indian hockey, the Dutch legend, popularly known as Flop, Floppie and Boem Boem Bovelander, said India had rendered tremendous service in taking hockey to greater heights at the international level. He added that most of his memories of Indian hockey were associated with players from Punjab, particularly Sikh players.
Bovelander represented the Netherlands in 241 international matches between October 1985 and August 1996, scoring 215 goals. He was part of the Dutch teams that won the 1990 Hockey World Cup and the gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
During his visit to Jalandhar, Bovelander participated in a joint training session with 37 coaches from Punjab and budding players of the Surjit Hockey Academy, being run under the aegis of the Punjab Government.
Accompanied by Sports Department official and Olympian Gurjant Singh, Dronacharya Awardee Jiwanjot Singh Teja and hockey coach Avtar Singh, he interacted with young trainees and shared insights from his illustrious international career.
He also participated in a special drag-flick training session, demonstrating techniques and offering valuable tips to help young hockey players improve their skills.
The Punjab Sports Department felicitated the Dutch hockey legend in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the sport.
Overwhelmed by the warmth and affection extended to him, Bovelander expressed his commitment to attending the Mohali leg of the tournament as well, scheduled for November 4 and 5 at Olympian Balbir Singh Senior Hockey Stadium in Mohali.
