Dragons captain Amit Rohidas, team owner Swetha Sundeep Anand and HUTN chief Sekar J. Manoharan at the jersey launch.
| Photo Credit: R. Ragu
Chennai Tamil Nadu Dragons impressed in the league stage of the Hockey India League (HIL) last season, but fell short of a podium finish, ending fourth after losing to JSW Soorma HC in the bronze medal play-off.
The Dragons begin the new season without key defenders Jip Janssen of the Netherlands, who is away on national duty, and Germany’s Moritz Ludwig, ruled out due to injury.
However, the inclusion of foreign player Sander de Wijn (the Netherlands) and domestic prospects such as Sushil Dhanwar, K. Selvaraj and Adrohit Ekka, who featured for India at the recent junior men’s World Cup, has added depth and balance to the squad.
Speaking at the team’s jersey and logo launch here on Saturday, captain Amit Rohidas sounded optimistic.
“The team is largely the same as last season. We know our strengths and what needs improvement. All teams are strong, but we are ready for the challenge,” he said.
Rohidas also welcomed the arrival of new head coach Tim White, who recently guided Belgium’s junior women’s team to a World Cup bronze.
Sekar J. Manoharan, president of the Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu and treasurer of Hockey India, lauded the support of franchise owner Swetha Sundeep Anand, Managing Director of Bharath University, and expressed confidence of a podium finish.
Dragons will take on Hyderabad Toofans in the inaugural match at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium here on January 3, 2026.
Published – December 20, 2025 11:11 pm IST
