Sporting icons: Paul Litjens - Dutch Hockey legend - Career HLs & video

Paul Litjens born on 9th October 1947  is a revered name in the world of field hockey, known for his prowess as a goal-scorer and his clinical ability to convert penalty corners. With a career spanning the 1970s and early 1980s for Netherlands , Litjens was instrumental in advancing Dutch hockey on the international stage, establishing himself as one of the most prolific scorers of his era. His technical skills, coupled with an eye for precision, made him a formidable opponent and a linchpin for the Netherlands team.

Style of Play

Litjens was known for his attacking style, marked by remarkable control, tactical awareness, and precise shooting. His specialty in penalty corners, where he utilized powerful flicks and pushes, set him apart as one of the most consistent scorers in field hockey. His tenacity and technical sharpness allowed him to dominate play around the goal area.

Career Highlights

Club Career: Litjens played for HC Kampong, a premier hockey club in the Netherlands, where his skills on the field solidified his reputation as one of the best in the league. His performance with Kampong translated seamlessly to the international stage, helping him achieve consistent success throughout his career.

International Career:

Representing the Netherlands, Litjens earned 177 caps and scored 267 goals, a record at the time. His extraordinary scoring ability in international matches made him one of the leading scorers worldwide and highlighted his talent as a forward.

1973 World Cup in Amsterdam: Litjens was pivotal to the Dutch team, who won the World cup  on home soil, a performance that brought the Netherlands into the spotlight in world hockey. Netherlands beat India 4-2 on penalty strokes in the final after the 2-2 draw in the normal time  which was the iconic moment for the Dutch Superstar 

Olympic Participation: Litjens represented the Netherlands in the 1972 Munich Olympics and the 1976 Montreal Olympics, where he showcased his remarkable skill, though the team didn’t secure a medal. His individual performances, however, stood out, and he continued to be a key player for the national team.

1981 Champions Trophy: In the inaugural Champions Trophy, Litjens once again proved crucial, leading the Netherlands with his exceptional scoring abilities and helping elevate Dutch hockey on an international scale. Netherlands won in 1981 

Accolades

Top Scorer: Litjens retired as the all-time leading goal-scorer in international field hockey, with an impressive 267 goals, a record that stood for many years. His ability to perform in high-stakes matches made him an invaluable asset for the Netherlands.

Penalty Corner Specialist: Renowned for his penalty corner prowess, Litjens set a benchmark for future players in this critical area of the game.

Legacy

Paul Litjens left an indelible mark on the sport, especially as one of the greatest goal-scorers in field hockey history. His remarkable record of goals and his consistent, outstanding play set standards in the sport, particularly in penalty corner techniques. Litjens' contributions helped elevate Dutch field hockey on the world stage, and his legacy continues to inspire players. His achievements are celebrated as a benchmark for forwards and penalty corner specialists in field hockey, and he remains a respected figure in the Netherlands and the hockey community worldwide.

In the below video watch one of the best goals of Paul Litjens vs Pakistan