Hockey India League | What we have to look forward is to get our defensive platform in place, says Harte

At 37 years of age and with over 240 international caps, the veteran Ireland goalkeeper David Harte knows he is living through the final stretch of a career that has taken him across continents, World Cups and Olympic Games.

And yet, while staring at a record sixth Hockey India League (HIL) appearance, Harte sounds anything but sentimental.

For him, this stint with Tamil Nadu Dragons is certainly not about ticking off one last box. It’s about pushing the franchise into the last four and beyond.

As a 26-year-old professional goalkeeper who first played in HIL in 2014, one emotion has remained intact: his connect with India.

“When I actually sat down and worked it out,” Harte said, “adding all the months and weeks spent here — the HIL World Cups, World League tournaments — I realised I’ve probably lived close to a year and a half of my life in incredible India. I just can’t seem to stay away from India.”

Special talent

Harte picked midfielder J. Arun and goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh as those who impressed the previous season for TN Dragons.

“I was really impressed last season with Arun. My colleague (goalkeeper) Prince Deep. At one stage, when we played Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, he made two penalty corner saves against the likes of drag-flick specialist Alexander Hendrickx.

“And that’s when I realised, there’s something about him,” he said.

Harte said this time the team needs to sort its defensive system and that it has the players in all positions to deliver. “What we have to look forward is to get our defensive platform in place, led by Sander de Wijn (The Netherlands) and Amit Rohidas and then take our opportunities when they come,” he said.

Harte said he is looking forward to play with some of India’s finest talents when the HIL begins here on January 3.

“I’m looking forward to jumping back into the hockey arena with the likes of Uttam Singh, Raheel (Mohammed Raheel Mouseen), Amit and Karthi Selvam after a very busy international period for them,” he said.