Bhubaneswar: Fresh off India’s historic Asia Cup triumph, captain Harmanpreet Singh is focused on one goal: the Hockey World Cup. Leading the team to victory against South Korea last month, India ended an eight-year Asia Cup drought, showcasing resilience and tactical brilliance. Reflecting on the decisive win, Singh said, “Our league match against Korea was a draw… but in the last match, whatever opportunities we had, we turned them into goals.”
Known affectionately as ‘Sarpanch Sahab,’ Singh blends care with tough love in his leadership. From guiding the team to the 2022 Asian Games gold and a 2024 Olympic bronze, to fostering team bonding off the field, his approach emphasizes motivation, fitness, and focus. “Small things like team bonding outside of matches matter, and the coach and I are always thinking of ways to improve it,” he explained.
On handling setbacks, Singh keeps a calm perspective: “What’s in the past is in the past… if mistakes are happening, I don’t overthink them during the match.”
2025 has been a landmark year personally as well, with Singh receiving the prestigious Khel Ratna award. Yet, his eyes are firmly on the World Cup, aiming to end India’s 50-year wait for the ultimate glory. “Our aim is to make sure we are ready on the field,” he declared, combining optimism with determination.
Harmanpreet Singh’s journey from Asia Cup success to World Cup preparation reflects not just a captain’s vision, but India hockey’s revival on the global stage.
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