Jaap Stockmaan played a key role in helping Jaypee Punjab Warriors reach the Hockey India league (HIl) final this year. The Netherlands international was the Most Valuable Player of the month-long tournament for his rock solid outing in front of the post where he accounted for more than 50 saves. The 29-year-old, who plays for HC Bloemendaal in the Dutch league, talks to Abhishek Purohit about goalkeeping, HIl and India. Excerpts
How would you rate the Indian goalkeepers who played in the HIl and what will be your advice for themIJ
I think Indian goalkeepers are good. It was unfortunate that only Harjot (Singh) got the number one spot in a team. However, I think that more attention to goalkeepers in India is required, especially at younger age. Goalkeeping is a different art.
Indian goalkeepers get special goalkeeping training only when they reach the national team. You’ve got to create the talent. There is a need for more goalkeeper-trainers in India and the budding goalkeepers need to be provided with the right training and skills. In Holland, all 14 year old goalkeepers get proper training at least once a week.
What is your opinion on the standard of goalkeeping in this year’s HIlIJ
I think the standard of goalkeeping in the HIl was very, very high. There were many good performances by goalkeepers, both foreign as well as Indians.
Your team lost the final via penalty shoot-out. Please tell us about that.
Upfront, we knew that Delhi was the toughest opponent. The only match we lost was against them. We won one and we lost one. The final match was unfortunate. We had better chances but couldn't convert them into goals. Then the shoot-outs we didn't do well whereas Delhi did better.
What is your thought on the team's overall performanceIJ
I think we improved a lot compared to last year. last year was disappointing, however a learning year. The things we didn't do well in last year, we improved this year. Our gameplan was better and it paid off for us this time. We converted a lot of the penalty corners and it became our strength. The whole program was less exhausting for the players. I think all these factors made us play way much better. I am satisfied with the overall performance this year.
I also think the squad was an improved one with players like Sandeep (Singh), Affan (Yousuf), Satbir (Singh), (Jake) Whetton and Agustin Mazzilli. These guys were the missing links.
How would you evaluate your own performanceIJ
I am satisfied with my own performance. I could save some nice balls and help the team in the defence which is important for a goalie.
Personally, how much of importance does the Most Valuable Player of the tournament holds for youIJ
Hockey is a team sport and I am not playing hockey to win personal awards. There is no I in a team. However, I am very honoured to be named MVP. I think it is very special to win this prize as the first foreigner and especially as a goalkeeper.
During the tournament you seemed to have carried on the brilliant performance from the HWl Final for the Netherlands to the HIl. How did that help youIJ
The HWl was an important tournament for the Netherlands, since it was the last tournament before the World Cup in my own country. I think the HWl helped me to get in right form for the HIl. We trained really hard before we went to India for the HWl. It got me in the right shape at the right time, for both tournaments.
Apart from being the goalkeeper, what were your responsibilities within the JPW teamIJ
For a goalkeeper, it is very important to get your defence organised. Good defence reduces the work you have to do. I took the responsibility of putting my defence at the right areas. Moreover, I really liked the Indian players and enjoyed gelling with them. We really were a team and I have a lot of new friends now.
It is believed that goalkeepers reach their peak at a slightly older age. Do you think this is the best stage of your careerIJ
People say goalkeepers are at their best in their thirties. I agree. It is all about experience and mental strength. Physical strength is less important than other players — players run around 10 km per match and goalkeepers run less than a km. I am 29 and I feel I am still learning and improving. I think my best is still to come.
Experts rate you as the best goalkeeper in the world at the moment.
I cannot judge that, it’s up to experts. However a feel very honoured when experts have such an opinion.
What is your experience of India as a countryIJ
I really love India and its people, food and the hockey. I enjoy every single part of it. I have hardly seen any more open-hearted, friendly people than the Indians. When you give a smile, you will get an even bigger smile back. The Indian dishes are amazing. My favorite is Butter Chicken. Back in Holland, I like to order it when I don't want to cook. And the hockey here is amazing. India is like hockey’s heart. When we play here, all players like to play attacking hockey which is really nice to watch. The fans are so passionate and it gives you that extra power to perform.
Finally, please sum-up your overall experience and the best and worst thing about HIl.
I think HIl is the game changer for international and Indian hockey. I feel the HIl is the best league in the world and I can say that because I also play in the Dutch league, which was considered the best.
These days, money is required to make a sport big and with the corporates showing interest, the game is growing. It pleases me to see Indian talent standing up. Unknown talented players like Gurinder Singh (from JPW) can now get recognised. The HIl is a platform for talent to be seen. Everyone needs to realise that it will take some years to get your national team back to the glory days and I am 120% confident that it will happen.
The worst thing about it is that it is over and I have to wait for one full year.