Dutch Hockey Legend Bovelander Joins Asian Champions Trophy Event

Jalandhar: Dutch hockey legend Floris Jan Bovelander has shared his enthusiasm for watching the Asian Champions Trophy 2026 in Punjab, after receiving a personal invitation from Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.

The former star is currently in Jalandhar, where the tournament is being played at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium. Bovelander won gold medals at the 1990 World Cup and the 1996 Olympic Games, and his presence has drawn attention from hockey followers in the city.

Reflecting on the invitation, he said he was amazed that the Chief Minister had remembered him. He described the gesture as clear evidence of the leader's love for hockey and said it was the main reason behind his decision to travel to Jalandhar.

Bovelander's international career stretched from October 1985 to August 1996. In that period he played 241 matches for the Netherlands and scored 215 goals, earning a reputation as one of the most feared drag flickers of his era.

He called India the powerhouse of world hockey and spoke highly of the contribution of Asian nations, especially India and Pakistan, to the Olympic movement and its growth worldwide.

Remembered by fans as 'Flop', 'Floppy' and 'Boom Boom Bovelander', the Dutch great said India had played a major role in taking international hockey to new heights. Most of his memories of Indian hockey, he noted, involve players from Punjab, especially Sikh players, and he believes the sport in India would be unimaginable without the state.

During his trip, he joined a combined training session with 37 Punjab coaches and rising players from the Surjit Hockey Academy, which functions under the state government's supervision. He took up a stick himself, played hits and had athletes perform drag flicks.

Alongside him were Olympic medallist Gurjant Singh of the Sports Department, Dronacharya Award winner Jeevanjot Singh Teja and hockey coach Avtar Singh.

To encourage the next generation, he took part in a drag-flick session with young trainees and shared valuable technical suggestions drawn from his extensive international experience.

The Punjab Sports Department honoured him for his contribution to the sport. Touched by the affection he received in the state, Bovelander also committed to attending key matches on November 4 and 5 at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior Hockey Stadium in Mohali.