LAHORE (Kashmir English): In a major move, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has appointed experienced Dutch coach Herman Kruis as the national hockey coaching adviser on a two-year contract.
“The PHF has taken a major step to arrest the decline of Pakistan hockey by appointing Herman Kruis, 70, as National Hockey Coaching Adviser for two years,” the federation said in a media statement.
The Kruis’ appointment comes in the wake of Pakistan’s dismal performance in their maiden representation in the FIH Pro League, where the Green-shirts finished at the bottom of the premier nine-team competition after losing all 16 matches of the 2025-26 season.
In the league campaign that ended in London recently, Pakistan conceded a whopping 79 goals while scoring just 22.
The PHF in its statement said that Kruis, possessing decades of experience, has worked as a coach and consultant with both European and Asian teams.
“Kruis specialises in developing young talent and preparing teams for major international events. As National Hockey Coaching Adviser, he will guide the federation in strengthening the entire ecosystem of Pakistan hockey,” the PHF statement added.
It further said that Kruis would work closely with both the senior and junior national teams and help establish a modern and sustainable high-performance framework for player development.
“He will also provide technical support alongside specialist coaches and improve talent identification programmes.”
According to the PHF, Kruis will formally begin his assignment at the World Cup (Aug 15-30) to be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands, where he will work with the current coaching staff during the transition period.
Kruis had previously worked with India’s senior and junior teams, besides coaching in the Netherlands and various professional leagues around the globe.
