Monday, February 17, 2025

‘Hockey India League should have equal prize money’

Dutch star Maria Verschoor believes prize money for the Hockey India League should be equal once the nascent women’s competition becomes established.

Verschoor, 30, was signed by Soorma Hockey Club for the inaugural women’s HIL, which is ongoing in Ranchi. 

“When we would have played a few more years in the HIL, the prize money for men and women should be equal,” she told Sportstar. 

“I would like to see more teams coming up as well. I know that next year we will be having six teams. That’s already a good thing. This is something totally new for the women’s team and it will increase the visibility.”

In 2023. Verschoor challenged Dutch clubs to be more open and transparent after questioning gender equality at board and committee level.

In 2020, Dutch hockey’s long term sponsor, ABN Amro, launched a campaign to address inequality in the sport across pay salaries, coaching and the boardroom.

By this year, it wants to see 35 per cent of director and sub-director posts held by women, aiming for 45 per cent in the layer below executive board level.

Maria Verschoor in action PIC: HIL

“There have been some (changes),” the Oranje said two years on. “Our federation has split the money and the prize money now (in half). You see some small changes. But we have to keep the conversation going and keep on fighting for women.”

In the interview, Verschoor revealed that the world No.1 Dutch work without a mental coach in the women’s programme.

“I already talked about it a couple of times because, in my opinion, every team should have one, especially when you are playing at such a high level,” she admitted. 

“I think it’s really good for the players to have someone they could talk to besides a coach. Because he will ultimately have a call regarding the selection, you will never totally open up to your coach. If you have a mental coach or sports psychologist, it could be helpful. With the pressure at big tournaments, it would be so nice to just talk to someone.”

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