Soorma Hockey Club strengthens leadership with Olympians Philippe Goldberg and Ignacio Ricardo Bergner joining ahead of a crucial new season.
In a major boost to its leadership and technical setup, Soorma Hockey Club has announced the appointment of Olympian Philippe Goldberg of Belgium as the Head Coach of the Men’s Team ahead of Hero Hockey India League (HIL) Season 2. Adding further international pedigree to the staff, Olympian Ignacio Ricardo Bergner of Argentina has been brought in as the Analytical Coach, while the team’s previous Head Coach, Jeroen Baart, will continue contributing in an Advisor role.
The restructuring underscores Soorma Hockey Club’s intent to build on its impressive debut season, where the team finished third in the league. By retaining most of their core squad, the club has ensured continuity while injecting fresh energy with the addition of Jeetpal, a promising young talent, and Akashdeep Singh, whose experience and attacking flair are expected to add a new dimension to Soorma’s forward line.
Speaking on the appointments, Divyanshu Singh, CEO, JSW Sports, said:
“We are thrilled to have Philippe and Ignacio join the Soorma Hockey Club family. Both bring world-class expertise and a shared passion for the high-intensity brand of hockey we aim to deliver. Philippe’s tactical acumen and leadership at the international level will be instrumental in shaping the team’s growth, while Ignacio’s data-driven approach will strengthen our preparation and performance. With Jeroen continuing as Advisor, we’re confident the team is well positioned for a strong season ahead.”
Echoing this sentiment, Arjun Halappa, Technical Director, Soorma Hockey Club, remarked:
“The addition of Philippe and Ignacio marks a significant step in our evolution as a team. Philippe’s approach to structured yet expressive hockey perfectly aligns with our playing philosophy, while Ignacio’s analytical insights will sharpen our match preparation and tactical decision-making. This combination of experience and innovation sets us up for an exciting season.”
Elite Experience at the Helm
Goldberg and Bergner bring with them a wealth of international experience and proven success in top-tier hockey.
•Philippe Goldberg, a European medalist and former coach of both Belgium’s U21 and senior men’s teams, played a crucial role in Belgium’s rise to global prominence. His tenure at Braxgata Hockey Club was defined by his focus on developing cohesive, attack-oriented teams that thrived on precision and teamwork.
•Ignacio Ricardo Bergner, an Olympian and former Argentine international, was part of Belgium’s support staff during their 2016 World Cup runner-up and 2017 European Championship campaigns. He later contributed to Argentina’s senior and women’s national programs (Las Leonas), earning a reputation for his analytical sharpness and data-based tactical insights.
On his appointment, Philippe Goldberg expressed enthusiasm for his new role:
“Joining Soorma Hockey Club is an exciting opportunity to contribute to India’s evolving hockey landscape. The team has laid a strong foundation, and my goal is to enhance it with a strategic framework that fosters discipline, creativity, and sustained performance. Together, we’ll build a brand of hockey that’s bold, intelligent, and unmistakably Soorma.”
Goldberg’s philosophy is expected to complement the existing Indian mentorship within the setup, led by Sardar Singh as Indian Coach and Mentor, creating a coaching unit that blends European structure, South American flair, and Indian spirit.
A Season of Promise Ahead
The upcoming HIL season promises to be a defining chapter for Soorma Hockey Club. Under the captaincy of Harmanpreet Singh, the team will kick off its 2026 campaign against defending champions Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers on January 4 in Chennai. With an enhanced coaching setup, stable core, and renewed ambition, Soorma enters the new season as one of the most well-rounded and forward-looking sides in the league.
Soorma Hockey Club Coaching Staff 2025–26
Sr. No Name Role/Designation
1 Philippe Goldberg Men’s Head Coach
2 Sardar Singh Indian Coach and Mentor
3 Ignacio Ricardo Bergner Analytical Coach
4 Arjun Halappa Technical Director
5 Jeroen Baart Advisor
About Soorma Hockey Club (SHC)
Soorma Hockey Club (SHC) is a professional hockey franchise owned by JSW Sports, competing in the Hero Hockey India League (HIL). Established with the vision to revive and redefine Indian hockey, SHC is rooted in the heartlands of Punjab and Haryana, regions known for their deep passion and legacy in the sport.
With both men’s and women’s teams, Soorma Hockey Club celebrates its cultural roots while striving to inspire a new generation to carry forward India’s rich hockey heritage with pride and purpose.
