Back after a month's stint in the competitive Dutch League, India's hockey captain Dilip Tirkey believes that the match practice he got there should stand him in good stead for the upcoming Doha Asian Games.
Tirkey, who played for Klein Zwiterland club along with teammate Gagan Ajit Singh, said it was refreshing to play the Dutch League, which was a good mix of competitive hockey and relaxing breaks.
"It was a nice experience. I played six matches, scored two goals. I got some good match practice as well as some refreshing breaks," he said on Thursday.
Tirkey said the club he played for had a good season and is in fourth place in the home-and-away tournament.
"At present it is at fourth place. The season, which started in September, will resume in February and continue till April. I think Klein Zwiterland would do well to play the finals," he said.
Tirkey said the offer to play for the Dutch club stands for the next season as well.
Tirkey, who flew for his home base in Bhubaneswar from Delhi, said he would take a short break before joining the Asian Games preparatory camp at Rourkela.