• Source:JND
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Hero Hockey India League: SG Pipers have announced their leadership group for Season 2 of the Hockey India League, trusting two of India’s most respected Olympians. Defender Jarmanpreet Singh will lead the men’s team, while Australian midfielder Ky Willott will serve as vice-captain. On the women’s team, star forward Navneet Kaur will keep her role as captain, with Australia’s Kaitlin Nobbs stepping in as vice-captain for her first season with the Pipers.

Last season, Jarmanpreet Singh was one of SG Pipers’ standout players. His strong performance in India’s Asia Cup 2025 win further highlights his readiness to lead. Ky Willott impressed last season with his great work rate, maturity with the ball, and ability to control the game, qualities that now see him take on a formal leadership role. Willott comes into the League after playing a key part in Hockey Club Melbourne’s Hockey One title win on Sunday.

The women’s team will see Navneet Kaur return as captain after a strong season where she led the offense, scored key goals, and made her mark in India’s international games. Supporting her will be Kaitlin Nobbs, whose experience, defensive skills, and calm decision-making bring balance to the squad. Nobbs, a 2025 HIL winner, played a vital role in Perth Thundersticks’ victory in the Hockey One Final on Sunday.

Excited to visit India and join the squad, Tim Oudenaller, Head Coach, said, “We are delighted to announce that Jarmanpreet will be our captain this season. With his experience and dedication, he will be able to guide the team to its highest potential. Ky will be the vice-captain this season. Despite his age, he brings considerable experience from last season, making him well-equipped to support Jarmanpreet and guide the team to reach their full potential. In a few weeks, the team will see each other in India. I’m looking forward to that moment, and I know that the team will prepare themselves as well as possible for the competition. They know what I expect and what to do to achieve the best result at the end of the competition.”

Expressing his delight, Olympic Bronze Medallist Jarmanpreet Singh said, “I want to thank our coaches and the management for giving me this opportunity. With a strong mix of junior and senior players, we are confident in building a powerful team and are aiming to bring home the title.”

Expressing her thoughts on the appointments, Sofie Gierts, Head Coach of the Women’s Team, said, “We have retained Navneet as captain because she consistently reflects the values, we want this team to stand for. Her integrity, calm intensity and exceptional hockey talent make her the ideal leader in a high-performance environment. We have also appointed Kaitlin as vice-captain; her guidance and experience, especially winning last year's HIL final, will be invaluable. She brings a leadership style that thrives under pressure while always supporting her teammates. Overall, we have a well-balanced squad with strong global diversity, which will be one of our biggest strengths. The team is eager to begin preparations, and we are united and ready for the 28th.”

Expressing her gratitude, Navneet Kaur said, “Thank you, SG Pipers, once again for choosing me as the captain of the SG Pipers women’s team. I am confident that we will achieve strong results this season. Keeping in mind the shortcomings of last season, we planned for the auction alongside our head coach, Sofie and our Assistant Coach Helen Mary. I am sure that our preparation will reflect in our performances. Once again, thank you, SG Pipers, for placing your trust in me as captain.”

Most inputs from media release

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