As the Paris 2024 Olympics approaches, the “Hockey Te Charcha, Familia” podcast by Hockey India recently featured an episode that delved into the life of Indian Men’s Hockey Team Vice Captain, Hardik Singh, through the eyes of his parents. The proud parents, Varinderpreet Singh Rai and Sonia Gill, shared personal anecdotes and insights about their son’s journey from a young aspirant to an international hockey star.
Sonia Gill recounted how Hardik’s passion for hockey was nurtured by his grandfather, who was a hockey coach in the Indian Navy. She shared heartwarming stories of how her son spent hours practicing the sport, illustrating his unwavering commitment and determination from a very young age. Meanwhile, Hardik’s father, Varinderpreet Singh Rai, emphasized his son’s resilience after facing setbacks early in his career and how he overcame them through sheer determination and hard work.
The episode also touched upon the challenges the family faced during the pandemic, with Sonia expressing how difficult it was when Hardik was unable to come home. However, she also spoke of her nervous excitement for the upcoming Paris Olympics, emphasizing the pride she feels in seeing her son follow in the footsteps of his great-grandfather, who had also competed in the Olympics.
The conversation also revealed an endearing connection when Varinderpreet spoke about Hardik’s admiration for former Indian Men’s Hockey Team Captain Sardar Singh, highlighting the pride the family felt when Singh himself acknowledged Hardik’s achievements.
The emotional podcast episode showcased the unwavering dedication and meticulous preparation that Hardik has put into his sport, as he readies himself for his second Olympic appearance. His parents’ reflections offered a poignant reminder of the personal sacrifices and support that underpin the success of national heroes like Hardik, who won the prestigious Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of The Year in 2023.
In closing, Sonia expressed her immense joy in seeing the community and fans celebrate and recognize her son. She proudly mentioned, “We are immensely proud of Hardik, not just for his achievements on the field, but for the person he is off it.”
This heartfelt episode of “Hockey Te Charcha, Familia” provided a unique and touching glimpse into the journey of an Indian hockey star, highlighting the crucial role played by family and the unwavering dedication of athletes like Hardik Singh. With his family’s support and the nation’s well-wishes, Hardik is all set to make India proud as he steps onto the Olympic stage for the second time in his career.