HIL 2024-25: Belgium’s Victor Wegnez feeling at home in India with Soorma Hockey Club

‘Ping-pong’ is how Victor Wegnez describes hockey in India.

Back in Europe, the Belgian midfielder isn’t accustomed to this style of play, which is little more structured and regimented. It is this philosophy that has helped Belgium become Olympic, European, and World champions over the last decade. With Craig Fulton now at the helm, India, too, is seeking more control and moving away from Graham Reid’s all-out attacking approach, which often bordered on chaos.

In Belgium’s top-division league, where Wegnez plays for the Waterloo Ducks, games this season have averaged 2.69 goals up to the halfway mark. By contrast, the ongoing Hockey India League (HIL) averages 4.46 goals per game. While it’s a small sample size, it highlights the stark difference in playing styles.

“So here, it’s attacking, defending, attacking, defending, and running, running, running. In Belgium, we are known for playing zonal hockey – very defensive, and then we go on the counter. Here, it’s more about going forward and backward continuously,” Wegnez explains to Sportstar.

Despite the unfamiliarity, Wegnez is adapting and is keen to introduce some structure to his side. “We [overseas players] try a little bit to bring structure into the team, but it’s complicated because I think you also have to enjoy the unique style the Indian players bring. So, you have to embrace the Indian style a little and play with it,” he says.

“I’m playing with Harman [Harmanpreet Singh], Vivek [Sagar Prasad], Gurjant [Singh], Vini [Vincent Vanasch], Nico Della Torre, and all those guys. In my club, I don’t have this chance. I play with other internationals, but this experience is different. It’s nice to have some variety in your life.”

However, his Indian sojourn was interrupted early when a 7mm hamstring tear ruled him out for five matches. “It was the first time this happened to me. So, I was pissed because I’ve never missed a tournament game before,” he admits. “When I got injured, the [Soorma’s] physical trainer was with the women’s team in Ranchi. He came back just for me, and I worked with him on a 10-day programme – two sessions a day.”

Since his return, Wegnez has been running tirelessly on the turf, making up for lost time. His team has lost just once and won three matches on the trot to position itself well for the semifinals. While skipper Harmanpreet Singh has been instrumental in scoring goals, Wegnez has been orchestrating play in midfield, covering every inch of the field. Stationed just ahead of the defence, he intercepts passes, drives forward with intent, and sets up attacks.

For all his attributes on the ball, his work rate off it is invaluable – though Wegnez is quick to downplay his contribution. “I think I’m a pretty good runner. My skills are probably not the best in the world, so I try to compensate with running. I try to organise a little bit and stay back for counter control,” he says, a quality he demonstrated effectively in the win over Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers.

Off the field, Wegnez brings as much energy as he does on it.

The scheduling of the HIL during the European winter break meant several players opted out. But for Wegnez, returning from a mental health break, the trip to Rourkela has allowed him to reconnect with the game that has given him so much.

Having endured a troubled childhood in Brussels, Wegnez has often referred to the Belgian national team as his ‘real family.’ Now, with Soorma Hockey Club, he seems to have found another.

“I don’t have a big family in Belgium,” he shares. So, for his 29th birthday, which falls on Christmas Day, he celebrated with his new teammates – in true Indian style, with party cakes smeared on his face. “I was very happy to be here with 25 people. I had my best birthday. We spent the day exchanging gifts. It was really nice,” he says with a beaming smile. On Instagram, he later wrote: “For the first time in a long time, I feel truly happy.”

His Indian experience extends beyond the hockey field. Wegnez has been indulging in gol gappa, or ‘fried balls with some potato inside’ as he calls it, ‘chai tea’, chicken tikka masala and of course, french fries. “Pretty spicy but good,” he chuckles. “It’s the best way to discover a country and truly live the experience – by following the locals and enjoying what you’re doing,” he says.

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He has even made new friends outside the team – a few stray dogs around the hotel. Alongside Soorma assistant coach Sardar Singh, Wegnez has been looking after them, pleased that Sardar has decided to adopt one.

Wegnez is also eager to reunite with his dog Kiwi, who is currently being looked after by his brother. “I miss him so much,” he admits. But before he can return home, he has his eyes on taking Soorma to the HIL playoffs and joining Belgium for Pro League action in Argentina.

For Wegnez, life on and off the pitch is guided by a simple mantra: “You have to live the full experience; you have to do everything fully.”

In India – where he became a world champion – Wegnez has found another home, embracing life to the fullest.