Dutch field hockey received a seismic jolt on January 29, 2026, when Olympic gold medalist Duco Telgenkamp announced he would be leaving SV Kampong to join AH&BC Amsterdam, the reigning Dutch Hoofdklasse champions. The transfer immediately drew widespread attention across the hockey world, marking perhaps the most significant domestic move of the year.

Telgenkamp, 26, became a household name in the Netherlands and beyond when his coolly struck penalty secured Olympic gold for the Dutch national team at the Paris 2024 Games. That moment of individual brilliance under immense pressure cemented his status as one of the most clutch performers in international hockey.

During his four seasons at Kampong, Telgenkamp proved himself as one of the most prolific strikers in Dutch club hockey. He netted an impressive 62 goals in all official competitions for the Utrecht-based club while simultaneously establishing himself as a key figure in the national setup, scoring 21 goals in 32 international appearances for the Oranje.

The move to Amsterdam represents a new chapter for the ambitious forward, who expressed his desire for continued growth both on and off the pitch. In his announcement, Telgenkamp explained that the transfer was about finding the right balance between his professional hockey career, his business ventures, and his personal life.

Since 2023, Telgenkamp has invested considerable time in building Revived, a streaming platform focused on health and wellness. With his company office located in The Hague and frequent business appointments in Amsterdam, the logistics of commuting to Kampong in Utrecht had become increasingly challenging.

However, the striker emphasized that competitive ambition remained at the heart of his decision. Speaking about his choice, Telgenkamp stated that he hopes to grow further as a player and as a person at Amsterdam, adding that competing for prizes is naturally the main goal.

Amsterdam, who captured the Dutch national title last season, welcomed the signing with considerable enthusiasm. Hockey director Joris Albers underlined the club's aspirations, noting that Amsterdam wants to play attractive, attacking hockey at the highest level. He added that having a player of Telgenkamp's caliber commit to the club not only makes them proud but also underlines their ambitious vision.

For Kampong, losing such a talented player is undoubtedly a blow, though the club reportedly parted ways with Telgenkamp on amicable terms, respecting his decision to seek new challenges. The striker himself acknowledged the debt he owes to his former club, admitting that he arrived at Kampong as an unknown quantity and that many people invested their time and expertise in developing him into the top-level athlete he has become.

The transfer sends a clear signal about Amsterdam's intentions for the upcoming seasons. By securing one of Dutch hockey's most dangerous finishers, the capital club has positioned itself as the team to beat in the Hoofdklasse.

As the FIH Pro League 2026 season gets underway with matches across Europe and beyond this month, all eyes will eventually turn to the Dutch domestic scene to see how Telgenkamp adapts to his new surroundings in the Amsterdam forest. If his track record is anything to go by, opposing defenses should be very worried indeed.