Boris Aardenburg

"Everything you are going through is preparing you for what you asked for."

Meet Boris Aardenburg

Team: Pinoké Heren 1 and Dutch U21
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Stick: Pro Tour 100 2.0, Low Bow

Favorite Osaka products:

• Pro Tour 100 2.0, Low Bow
• Tekko Glove – Iconic Black
• IDO Mk1 – Iconic White
• Sports Duffle – Iconic Black
• Hoodie Basic – Grey Melange
• Soft Touch Grip 2.0 – Perforated, White

"I began playing hockey at the age of 6 in Curacao, finding immense joy in the game. Over time, my passion for it only grew, leading me to play more and more."

Inspiration

"While I don't have a single source of inspiration, I draw motivation from various figures at different points in time. For instance, individuals like Messi, Neymar, and Israel Adesanya have all inspired me in different ways, alongside, of course, my mom."

What the Game Means to Him

"Somehow, it just happened this way — field hockey became my passion, my purpose, my everything. Every moment, every ounce of effort, and every burst of joy is dedicated to this sport that fuels my soul."

Representing His Country

"Representing my country is an immense honor. It means wearing the national colors with pride, recognizing that I'm not just playing for myself, but for every person back home who has supported me along the way. It's about carrying the hopes and dreams of my family and friends onto the field, and dedicating every effort to make them proud, while also finding personal fulfillment. This journey is deeply personal, marked by sacrifices, challenges, and moments of pure joy, all while playing with and against the best in the world."

Rituals and Routine

"I don't really have specific rituals, such as wearing lucky underwear or anything like that. I do focus on taking cold showers, stretching, and foam rolling. I also like to listen to music to get in the zone. Aside from that, I just follow the team rituals."

A typical day: training once or twice, with gym sessions on off days. In between, he handles errands, business work, forex trading, and video editing, then unwinds with YouTube and time with friends or family before dinner, reading, and setting goals for the next day.

What Makes Him Happy

"I find happiness in life's simple pleasures, such as enjoying a nice cup of coffee or feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin. Pursuing my passion for field hockey and striving for championship success brings me joy and excitement. And, of course, nothing compares to the love and laughter shared with my family and friends."

Outside of hockey, he studies entrepreneurship and builds his own business, learns about forex trading, refines his video editing skills, hits the gym, and enjoys outings with friends and family.

Staying on Top of His Game

"I prioritize proper nutrition by eating enough and consuming healthy foods. I also maintain a regular gym routine, incorporating stretching, foam rolling, sauna sessions, and cold showers into my regimen. Adequate sleep is crucial, and I actively work towards my goals while occasionally engaging in activities unrelated to sports to clear my mind and maintain balance."

Looking Ahead

"I'm immensely proud of recent accomplishments like winning the EHL and becoming Dutch champion, alongside earning European gold with the U21 team. Looking ahead, my aspirations include making my debut for the Dutch team and striving for victories in major competitions such as the European Championship, World Cup, and Olympic Games to make my dreams come true."

On where the sport is headed: "I envision field hockey evolving towards a style akin to handball, marked by increased speed, rapid passing, and decreased emphasis on individual dribbling skills. With the game becoming faster paced, physical strength and speed will become increasingly vital for sustaining performance at the highest level. The trajectory of the high ball rule remains uncertain, but there has been a noticeable increase in the frequency of high ball usage in recent years."

The Osaka Partnership

"Being an Osaka ambassador means representing a brand I deeply believe in, and honestly, I think it's the best brand out there. So, being an Osaka ambassador makes me really proud."

"Since I started playing with Osaka, my career as an athlete has been positively influenced by their top-notch gear, which has provided me with the best tools to perform at my peak on the field."

"I decided to team up with Osaka because I was searching for a brand that has it all, and that's Osaka. It's a big brand with top-notch gear, a stylish fashion influence, and a wide range of clothing and shoes. I've known about Osaka since the early days of my career, and seeing its influence already back then convinced me that it will continue to grow in the future."

Advice and Legacy

"For beginner athletes, my top advice is simple: have a blast playing the game. If you love it, dive in headfirst! Spend loads of time on the mini field, try out new tricks, challenge your pals to one-on-one matches, and just enjoy every moment of it."

To his younger self: "To buy a lot of Bitcoin. But honestly, looking back, I wouldn't change a thing. Everything happened the way it did, and it turned out just fine."