In a candid reflection on the current landscape of international hockey, Gonzalo Peillat, one of the most renowned drag-flickers in the sport’s history, praised Harmanpreet Singh as the best drag-flicker in the world. The Argentine-born, now German national, made the comments during an interview following his participation in the Hockey India League (HIL) auction, where he was sold to the Hyderabad Toofans for a record-breaking ₹68 lakh.
Peillat’s Auction Nerves: From Anxiety to Elation
The auction for the 2024 Hockey India League was a tense moment for Peillat, who watched the proceedings unfold from his home in Mannheim, Germany, with his wife. As his name was repeatedly overlooked, his nerves heightened. “I was really, really nervous,” Peillat admitted, noting the palpable tension he felt as other players went unsold. However, once the bids started coming in, his anxiety transformed into excitement, especially as the auction price soared higher.
By the end of the bidding war, Peillat became the most expensive overseas player in the tournament’s history, as his signature went to the Hyderabad Toofans for ₹68 lakh, surpassing expectations. “At first, the pressure released when a few teams were bidding for me. I was like ‘at least I’m playing’. Then it went higher and higher. I was like ‘wow, that’s really crazy’,” he said, expressing his delight at the turn of events.
Peillat’s Stellar Career: A Legacy of Success
Peillat’s reputation as a penalty corner (PC) specialist is well-earned, with a career marked by both individual and team success. He first captured international attention when he became the top scorer at the 2014 World Cup, helping Argentina secure a bronze medal. Just two years later, he cemented his place in hockey history by guiding Argentina to a gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, scoring 11 goals to lead the team.
After a falling-out with the Argentine setup in 2019, Peillat switched allegiances and earned German citizenship in 2022. His transition to the German team was smooth, and in 2023, he played a pivotal role in helping Germany win the World Cup. A year later, he guided the Germans to a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, earning his second Olympic medal in the process.
Harmanpreet Singh: The Best Drag-Flicker in the World
Peillat’s praise for Harmanpreet Singh, India’s star drag-flicker, was effusive. “Nowadays, Harmanpreet is the best drag-flicker in the world, followed by Alexander Hendrickx of Belgium and Jeremy Hayward of Australia,” said Peillat. The Indian defender has consistently been one of the top goal-scorers for India, especially with his lethal drag-flicks at penalty corners.
Peillat pointed out that Harmanpreet’s strength lies in his powerful drag-flick, which has been pivotal in India’s recent successes. His performance at the Paris Olympics, where he emerged as the top scorer with 10 goals, played a major role in India securing a historic bronze medal. “Looking at what he did in the last big tournaments is really amazing,” Peillat observed, admiring Harmanpreet’s consistency in crucial moments.
India, according to Peillat, has also mastered the art of drawing penalty corners. “India and Harmanpreet know exactly what they need to do inside the circle. They concentrate on getting more PCs, rather than attempting more shots in the circle, knowing that you have a big drag-flicker.”
Peillat also shared a valuable piece of advice: “If you don’t have space to shoot, just look for a corner. Then you will still have a chance to score a goal.” This is a tactic that India, with Harmanpreet’s skills, has adopted to devastating effect in recent years.
Peillat’s Role in HIL 2024
With the Hockey India League making a return after eight years, Peillat is eager to make his mark. He’s no stranger to the tournament, having played four out of the previous five seasons. Reflecting on his initial days in the Kalinga Lancers team, he recalled, “We had a really young team. All those players now are playing for India. I’ve seen the development of these players from a nervous young lot, playing their first big tournament, to becoming two-time Olympic medallists.”
His experience in the HIL has not only been a career highlight but also a learning opportunity for the young players. Peillat has witnessed firsthand the rapid rise of Indian players, including the development of Harmanpreet Singh, who was starting his journey during Peillat’s earlier HIL days.
Life Beyond Hockey: Peillat’s Ventures
Off the pitch, Peillat is just as versatile. Alongside his career as a professional hockey player, he is involved in several ventures, including managing sponsorships for his club, Mannheimer HC, and investing in real estate with his father, who has experience in construction.
The ₹68 lakh salary from the HIL auction is particularly significant for Peillat, who recently became a father. “The earnings will be primarily used to support my family,” Peillat explained. “I became a father, so a big part of it will go towards my family’s needs and saving for the future.”
His decision to participate in the HIL came with a personal sacrifice. “It makes the decision to be away from my family for eight weeks — especially during Christmas time with a three-month-old baby — a bit easier to justify,” he shared, reflecting on the challenges of balancing professional commitments with family life.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Peillat and India
Peillat’s return to the Hockey India League is sure to bring a wealth of experience and leadership to the Hyderabad Toofans. His admiration for Harmanpreet Singh, combined with his insights into the evolution of Indian hockey, highlights the exciting potential of the upcoming generation. With players like Harmanpreet Singh leading the way, India’s future in international hockey looks incredibly bright, and Peillat’s return to the HIL only adds to the intrigue surrounding this exciting chapter in the sport’s history.
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