HIL Countdown: Ranchi Rhinos launches team website

The inaugural Hockey India League is beginning to capture the imagination of the hockey fans. Even as the countdown begins for the much-hyped league, all the five teams are busy carrying out promotional activities.

As part of the promotional campaigns, Ranchi Rhinos – the only franchise from the eastern part of the country – launched its website – www.ranchirhinos.com – and in the process became the first team to come up with a website.

The Ranchi-based franchise, which is owned by the Patel-Uniexcel Group, kickstarted their training camp today.

The head coach of Ranchi Rhinos is South African men’s hockey team head coach Gregg Clark. Clarke featured in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics and at the 2010 World Cup, playing more than 250 internationals for South Africa.

Clarke will be assisted by two-time Olympian, Baljit Singh Saini, who is the current Indian junior team coach.

Under Saini’s guidance, the Indian junior team recently dished out a creditable performance, bagging a silver medal at the 2nd Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia.

South African men’s team goalkeeping coach David Staniforth, will serve the team as the goalkeeping coach and video analyst.

Four other teams – Delhi Wave Riders, Jaypee Punjab Warriors, Mumbai Magicians and Uttar Pradesh Wizards – are also expected to launch their respective websites soon.