New Delhi, Nov 7: Soorma Hockey Club has announced a major overhaul of its coaching structure ahead of the upcoming Hero Hockey India League (HIL) Season 2, appointing Olympian Philippe Goldberg of Belgium
as the new Head Coach of the Men's Team and Olympian Ignacio Ricardo Bergner of Argentina as the Analytical Coach.
The restructuring aims to inject global expertise and modern tactical insights into the team's system as Soorma looks to build on its impressive debut season, where they finished third in the league.
Leadership Reshuffle Brings Olympic Pedigree
Former head coach Jeroen Baart will now transition into an Advisor role, ensuring continuity in the team's strategic direction and technical planning.
Goldberg, who has previously served as Belgium's U21 and senior team coach, played a key role in the European powerhouse's rise to global prominence. His ability to develop cohesive, attack-minded squads was evident during his tenure at Braxgata Hockey Club, where he was instrumental in nurturing Belgium's new generation of players.
Bergner, on the other hand, brings rich analytical and coaching experience. A former Olympian and Argentina international, he was part of the country's 2016 World Cup runner-up and 2017 European Championship campaigns before taking up coaching roles with Argentina's senior men's and women's teams (Las Leonas). Known for his data-driven approach, Bergner's addition marks a decisive step towards modernizing Soorma's tactical preparation.
A Blend of Experience and Innovation
Welcoming the appointments, Divyanshu Singh, CEO of JSW Sports, said: "We are thrilled to have Philippe and Ignacio join the Soorma Hockey Club family. Philippe's tactical acumen and leadership experience will be key in shaping the team's growth, while Ignacio's analytical insights will help us prepare smarter and perform consistently. With Jeroen continuing as Advisor, we're confident Soorma is well-positioned for a strong season ahead. "
Arjun Halappa, Technical Director, added: "The addition of Philippe and Ignacio marks a significant step in our evolution as a team. Philippe's structured-yet-creative hockey philosophy aligns with our identity, and Ignacio's technical precision will elevate our match intelligence. This is a fusion of experience, science, and innovation. "
Sharing his excitement about joining the club, Philippe Goldberg said: "Joining Soorma Hockey Club is an exciting opportunity to contribute to India's evolving hockey landscape. 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. "
Strengthened Squad and Renewed Ambition
Soorma Hockey Club has retained most of its core players from last season, preserving team chemistry while integrating new additions like Jeetpal, a promising young player, and seasoned forward Akashdeep Singh, whose experience and attacking flair are expected to add depth to the frontline.
Led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, Soorma will begin their 2026 HIL campaign against defending champions Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers on January 4 in Chennai.
| Sr. No | Name | Role / Designation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Philippe Goldberg | Men's Head Coach |
| 2 | Sardar Singh | Indian Coach & Mentor |
| 3 | Ignacio Ricardo Bergner | Analytical Coach |
| 4 | Arjun Halappa | Technical Director |
| 5 | Jeroen Baart | Advisor |
With Goldberg's European precision, Bergner's South American flair, and strong Indian mentorship from Sardar Singh and Arjun Halappa, Soorma Hockey Club is creating a coaching ecosystem that blends technical mastery with passion and cultural understanding - setting the tone for a modern, global Indian hockey team.
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