After a succesful Dutch tour for the SAI women U21, it was time for the men. After an intensive nine-day training camp in the Netherlands, the SAI Men U21 team looks back on a highly productive and memorable tour filled with high-quality training sessions, competitive matchplay and cultural experiences. The squad completed a full programme hosted in Soest and trained throughout the week at MHC Soest’s, supported by excellent facilities and coaching conditions.

A week of development: training & preparation

Across the entire tour, the SAI men followed a consistent training structure with morning and afternoon sessions at MHC Soest. From Thursday 20 November to Friday 28 November, the squad completed high-intensity field sessions.

A highlight in the week was the Amsterdam day, including a canal cruise and free time in the city centre, offering the players a cultural break in between the demanding programme. Holland Elite continues to connect top-level hockey with international exchange and cultural experiences. For some of the players, it was their first time in Europe, making the tour not only a sporting challenge but also a personal milestone.

Friendly fixtures

During the tour, SAI Men U21 played two scheduled friendly matches against Dutch Men’s 1st teams. On Thursday 20 November, the match against MHC Fletiomare Men 1 ended in a 3–3 draw. Later in the week, on Tuesday 25 November, the team faced MHC Leusden Men 1, securing a 1–2 victory. Both fixtures were completed according to the planned programme and were fully incorporated into the team’s overall training and development schedule. In the final days, the players continued training with double sessions. The tour concluded with the final morning session on Friday 28 November before the squad transferred to Schiphol Airport for their return flight to New Delhi.

Looking ahead

The SAI Men U21 team leaves the Netherlands with:

• The experience of two strong international friendly matches

• A full week of structured, high-quality training

• Valuable tactical and physical development

• Cultural experiences

The experience will undoubtedly serve as a stepping stone for the young athletes as they continue their journey toward international success. Their time in the Netherlands not only improved their game but also expanded their perspective on what it means to compete and grow at the highest level of hockey.

We look forward to welcoming SAI Men U21 back for future international development programmes.

About Sports Authority of India (SAI)

Established in 1984, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) is the nation’s leading institution for identifying, nurturing, and developing elite athletes. Operating under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, SAI manages a wide network of academies and high-performance centers that provide world-class coaching, sports science, and facilities across multiple disciplines from hockey and athletics to boxing and wrestling.

Through key programs such as the National Centres of Excellence (NCOE) and Khelo India, SAI offers structured pathways for young talent to reach international standards. Beyond training, it promotes sports education, research, and international collaboration, continuously raising India’s sporting profile worldwide. This recent Dutch tour represents yet another milestone in this journey, offering players invaluable international exposure, competitive experience, and a chance to represent India proudly on European soil.

With its unwavering commitment to excellence, SAI remains at the heart of India’s sporting success inspiring the next generation of athletes and driving national pride on the global stage.

Stay tuned for results, highlights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes moments from all our international tours. Follow Holland Elite on social media for updates, photos, and upcoming tours or tournaments.

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