CHENNAI: Ace drag-flicker and former India captain Rupinder Pal Singh has signed a one year contract with the top Dutch club Amsterdamsche Hockey & Bandy Club to take part in the top-tier Dutch league -- Men's Hoofdklasse Hockey. It's the first-ever overseas club assignment for Rupinder. Hoofdklasse is one of the toughest leagues in the world and takes place over eight months.
"Yes, I have signed a one-year contract with Amsterdamsche Hockey & Bandy Club and this is my first-ever overseas signing. Hoofdklasse is a top-tier league and I'm excited to be a part of such a world famous league," Rupinder told TOI on Tuesday.
Rupinder will be sharing the dressing room with world renowned players like Trent Mitton and Matt Dawson from the Australian national side and Mirco Pruyser, who has made it to the Dutch side recently. The veteran India defender feels the exposure in the Netherlands will help him become a much better player.
"I'm not going there with any specific plans. All I want is to enjoy my game and improve my skills. The league is extremely tough but I'm quite confident to give my best shot for my club," he said.
Rupinder, who was named the national captain, unfortunately was ruled out of the Asia Cup (held in Indonesia last month) due to an injury. The veteran defender, who is playing for Indian Overseas Bank in the CHA Super Division League at the moment, will join the team in Amsterdam in the second week of August.
