Philippe Goldberg Appointed Head Coach Of Soorma Hockey Club Ahead Of HIL

Olympian Philippe Goldberg of Belgium has been appointed head coach of Soorma Hockey Club for the second season of Hockey India League, the club announced on Friday.

Joining Goldberg in the revamped coaching setup is Olympian Ignacio Ricardo Bergner of Argentina, who will serve as the Analytical Coach.

The club’s current Head Coach, Jeroen Baart, will transition into an advisory role, continuing to contribute to team strategy and technical planning throughout the season.

“Joining Soorma Hockey Club is an exciting opportunity to contribute to India’s evolving hockey landscape,” Goldberg stated in a release.

“The team has laid a strong foundation, and my goal is to enhance it with a strategic framework that encourages discipline, creativity, and sustained

performance. Together, we’ll build a brand of hockey that’s bold, intelligent, and unmistakably Soorma.”

Goldberg, a European medallist and former Belgium U21 and senior team coach, played a key role in Belgium’s rise to global prominence.

Bergner, an Olympian and former Argentine international, contributed to Belgium’s 2016 World Cup runner-up and 2017 European Championship campaigns and later coached Argentina’s senior and women’s national teams.

Soorma Hockey Club, which finished third in an impressive debut season, has retained most of their core players, maintaining the heart of their team.

“The addition of Philippe and Ignacio marks a significant step in our journey as a team. Philippe’s approach to building structured hockey teams that express themselves aligns perfectly with our playing philosophy,” said Arjun Halappa, Technical Director, Soorma Hockey Club.

“Ignacio’s analytical depth will elevate our match preparation and tactical execution. With this combination of experience and innovation, we’re looking forward to taking Soorma Hockey Club to greater heights in the upcoming season.”

Led by Harmanpreet Singh, the club will kick off its 2026 campaign against defending champions Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers on January 4 in Chennai.