Jalandhar, November 2, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Dutch hockey legend and gold medallist at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and 1990 Hockey World Cup, Floris Jan Bovelander, expressed delight at being invited by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to watch the Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2026 in the state.
Recalling the Chief Minister’s visit to the Netherlands in April this year, Bovelander said Mann’s passion for hockey and personal invitation prompted him to travel to Jalandhar for the tournament.
Speaking on the sidelines of the competition at Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium, Bovelander said, “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 that I made it a point to travel to Jalandhar.”
The renowned drag-flicker represented the Netherlands in 241 international matches and scored 215 goals during his international career, which spanned from October 1985 to August 1996.
Describing India as a powerhouse of world hockey, Bovelander highlighted the contribution of Asian countries, particularly India and Pakistan, to the Olympic movement and their role in popularising it globally.
Recalling his association with Indian hockey, the Dutch legend, also known as Flop, Floppie and Boem Boem Bovelander, said India had rendered yeoman’s service in taking the sport to greater heights internationally. He said many of his memories of Indian hockey were associated with players from Punjab, particularly Sikh players, and asserted that Indian hockey was incomplete without Punjab.
During his visit, Bovelander took part in a joint training session with 37 coaches from Punjab and young trainees of the Surjit Hockey Academy, which operates under the aegis of the Punjab Government.
He was accompanied by Sports Department official and Olympian medalist Gurjant Singh, Dronacharya Awardee Jiwanjot Singh Teja, and hockey coach Avtar Singh.
Bovelander also joined a drag-flick training session with the young players, sharing technical tips drawn from his extensive international experience.
The Punjab Sports Department felicitated the legendary hockey player in recognition of his contribution to the sport.
Appreciating the warmth and affection extended to him during his visit, Bovelander said he would also attend the Mohali leg of the tournament, scheduled for November 4 and 5 at Olympian Balbir Singh Senior Hockey Stadium.
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