Dutch Hockey Legend Floris Jan Bovelander arrives in Jalandhar on CM Mann’s invitation for Asian Champions Trophy
1996 Olympic gold medallist says Indian hockey is incomplete without Punjab, credits India for popularising the sport globally
Babushahi Bureau
Jalandhar (Punjab), November 2, 2026: Dutch hockey legend and Olympic gold medallist Floris Jan Bovelander arrived in Jalandhar to witness the Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2026, accepting an invitation from Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, whose passion for hockey he said had prompted his visit.
Speaking on the sidelines of the tournament at Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium, Bovelander recalled the Chief Minister’s visit to the Netherlands in April this year and said he was both surprised and honoured to receive a personal invitation from him.
“I was both astonished and honoured that CM Bhagwant Singh Mann remembered me and personally invited me to be part of this prestigious tournament. The invitation reflected the Chief Minister’s immense love for hockey, and I made it a point to travel to Jalandhar,” he said.
‘Indian hockey is incomplete without Punjab’
The former Dutch drag-flicker described India as a powerhouse of world hockey and highlighted the contribution of Asian countries, particularly India and Pakistan, to popularising the sport internationally.
Recalling his association with Indian hockey, Bovelander, popularly known as Flop, Floppie and Boem Boem Bovelander, said India had rendered significant service in taking hockey to greater heights at the international level.
He said most of his memories of Indian hockey were associated with players from Punjab, particularly Sikh players, and asserted that Indian hockey could not be imagined without Punjab.
Shares drag-flicking techniques with young hockey players
During his visit, Bovelander participated in a joint training session with 37 coaches from Punjab and young trainees of the Surjit Hockey Academy, which operates under the aegis of the Punjab Government.
He interacted with budding players and participated in a drag-flick training session, sharing technical tips drawn from his international experience.
He was accompanied by Sports Department official and Olympian Gurjant Singh, Dronacharya Award recipient Jiwanjot Singh Teja and hockey coach Avtar Singh.
Felicitated for contribution to international hockey
The Punjab Sports Department felicitated Bovelander in recognition of his contribution to hockey.
The Dutch legend represented the Netherlands in 241 international matches between October 1985 and August 1996, scoring 215 goals. His career highlights include gold medals at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games and the 1990 Hockey World Cup.
Overwhelmed by the welcome extended to him in Punjab, Bovelander also expressed his willingness to attend the Mohali leg of the Asian Champions Trophy, scheduled for November 4 and 5 at Olympian Balbir Singh Senior Hockey Stadium.