Last Updated:
Pipers forward Preeti Dubey spoke to News18 Sports about the team’s renewed outlook, her experience of playing in the Hockey India League and expectations from the season ahead.
Delhi SG Pipers. (X)
The Delhi SG Pipers endured a forgettable debut campaign in the inaugural Women’s Hockey India League, finishing bottom of the four-team table after a string of inconsistent performances. They started with a 0–4 drubbing at the hands of eventual champions Odisha Warriors, followed by a narrow 0–1 loss to Rarh Bengal Tigers.
Pipers’ only regulation-time victory came against Soorma Hockey Club, with Sangita Kumari and Deepika Sehrawat on target in a 2–0 win.
Any momentum, however, was short-lived. The Soormas hit back with a 5–1 victory in the return fixture, the Pipers again went down 0–2 to the Tigers and although they managed a penalty shootout victory over the Warriors in the reverse encounter, the five points from six games left them rooted to the bottom of the standings.
With the second season all set to start on Sunday, December 28, in Ranchi, the Pipers see the upcoming campaign as a chance for redemption. In a bid to turn their fortunes around, the team has overhauled its coaching setup, appointing Sofie Gierts as head coach of the women’s team for the new season.
Ahead of the league, Pipers forward Preeti Dubey spoke to News18 Sports about the team’s renewed outlook, her experience of playing in the Hockey India League and expectations from the season ahead.
Excerpts:
How the team plans to approach the new season after a disappointing show last year?
We are very motivated this year. The goal is to perform strongly and achieve something meaningful. The camps are about to start and everyone is excited to put in the hard work.
You have a new head coach in Sofie Gierts. First impressions?
We have had an introductory conversation. She is friendly, open-minded and approachable. I felt very positive after speaking to her and I am confident we will build a strong bond.
Sangeeta has moved to Ranchi now. How does that impact the team’s approach?
A lot of players have changed, so once training starts, the coach will assess our strengths and areas to improve. We have brought in quality players and it will be interesting to see how the team shapes up.
You have been part of the Indian team for nearly a decade. How does that experience help in HIL?
Experience teaches you a lot through wins and losses. In camps, we work on weaknesses, but in tournaments, the focus must be on our strengths. With limited time, it is about identifying what we do well and using that to help the team win.
How important is communication in a short tournament like HIL?
It is crucial. Staying positive, communicating clearly and encouraging teammates to trust their strengths makes a big difference, especially with the tournament so close.
Navneet is the captain at SG Pipers. How is your chemistry with her?
It is very good. Navneet is funny, supportive and extremely experienced. She is vocal on the field but friendly and approachable off it. She knows how to lift both the team and individuals.
What was it like playing alongside overseas players last season?
It was a great cultural exchange. They were curious about our lifestyle, and we were keen to learn about theirs. That mutual interest helped build strong bonds and made the experience enjoyable.
Did you also share hockey-related learnings?
Yes. While no one shares systems, there is still plenty of knowledge-sharing. Players like Emma Puvrez helped many of us identify our strengths and focus on them, both on and off the field.
SG Pipers will begin their campaign against the Ranchi Royals on December 28 in the opening game of the tournament.
December 19, 2025, 16:06 IST
Read More
