Joshua Burt appointed as technical director for Hockey India League 2024
Joshua Burt, appointed as the technical director, will be at the helm of the technical operations for this season's Hockey India League (HIL). With his extensive background in international hockey and technical management, Burt is well-positioned to guide the league’s revival and ensure smooth operations across its stages.
Running from December 28, 2024, to February 1, 2025, this HIL season will feature an exciting lineup, including eight men’s and four women’s teams. The men’s league kicks off on December 28 in Rourkela, while the women’s league begins a couple of weeks later on January 12, 2025, in Ranchi.
The competition format divides the men’s games into two stages, culminating in a high-stakes final on February 1. Meanwhile, the women’s teams will compete fiercely, with their final match scheduled for January 26. Joshua Burt’s technical leadership will play a vital role in coordinating the events.
Joshua Burt - A veteran in hockey management
Joshua Burt may not have a professional hockey playing career, but he has accumulated over two decades of experience in various roles, from management to coaching.
His journey began as the team and communications manager for Hockey Victoria, where he coordinated state-level tournaments and team selections for four years. This early role laid the foundation for his deeper involvement in hockey administration.
In 2007, Burt advanced to a national role, joining Hockey Australia as the competition manager. Over the next four years, he was instrumental in organizing national competitions and international tournament participation for Australian teams.
Since 2011, Burt has also held a prestigious position as a technical delegate for the International Hockey Federation (FIH), serving at three Summer Olympics editions. This role involved oversight of technical protocols and compliance at the highest level of competition, lending him a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved in hockey management on the global stage.
Joshua Burt has also made an appearance in Bollywood in the past. Hockey fans with a keen eye may recall seeing him in the Bollywood blockbuster 'Chak De India'. In the film, he portrayed the Australian women’s hockey team coach, competing against the Indian team in the final.
Burt’s multifaceted experience is a major asset to the upcoming HIL season, which returns after a long gap of seven years.