Captain Harmanpreet Singh of the Indian men’s hockey team has articulated his assessment of the team’s current performance, noting that while they have demonstrated strong hockey skills, they have also faced difficulties at times. He has underscored the importance of addressing these challenges as they ready themselves for the forthcoming FIH Pro League games in London, with a keen focus on the Paris Olympics.
With a tally of 21 points from 12 matches, the Indian men’s hockey team currently occupies the third position in the FIH Pro League table. In the upcoming London leg of the Pro League, the team is slated to compete against Germany and Great Britain, who hold the sixth and ninth positions, respectively. Their initial match will be against Germany.
Following their recent performance in Antwerp, Belgium, where they secured victories against Argentina and suffered defeats against the hosts, Harmanpreet has recognized the team’s moments of excellence as well as areas for enhancement. He has emphasized the significance of providing younger players with valuable match experience to bolster the team’s overall chemistry.
The captain has emphasized the competitive nature of their matches against Argentina and Belgium, both of which are in the same pool as India for the Paris 2024 Olympics. He has expressed the team’s resolve to approach the upcoming matches in London with a strong start, concentrating on refining their combinations and positioning to maximize their potential. Harmanpreet has stressed the importance of delivering a strong performance in London as a pivotal aspect of their Olympic preparations.
Looking ahead, the Indian men’s hockey team is set to compete against Germany on June 8, following their initial encounter on Saturday. Additionally, they are scheduled to face Great Britain on June 2 and 9. Harmanpreet has conveyed the team’s anticipation and readiness to confront these challenges as they gear up for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
In a concurrent development, the captain of the Indian women’s hockey team, Salima Tete, has shared her viewpoint on the team’s current phase, characterizing it as a period of reconstruction following their failure to qualify for the Olympics. She has expressed optimism regarding the forthcoming Pro League matches, highlighting the potential for these games to strengthen the team and drive improvement.
The Indian women’s hockey team, currently positioned seventh on the Pro League table with eight points from 12 matches, will also partake in matches against Germany and Great Britain, aligning with the schedule of their male counterparts.
As Indian hockey continues to strive for eminence on the global stage, both the men’s and women’s teams are diligently preparing for the challenges that await them in the FIH Pro League games in London. Through their unwavering commitment and determination, these teams are poised to exhibit their prowess and fortitude as they work towards their ultimate goal of achieving success at the Paris Olympics.