National men’s hockey captain Manpreet Singh is optimistic about India’s chances in the Olympics.
Speaking to The Telegraph from Bhubaneswar, where the Indian team will be making its debut in the second edition of the FIH Pro League, Manpreet feels that the tournament will offer the perfect practice platform in the run-up to the Tokyo Games.
“See, we play against those very teams in the Pro League which we will encounter in Tokyo. So, it will be the perfect exposure and chance for us to gauge the strengths and weaknesses of the opponents, while testing our consistency and trying out our youngsters. We will thus be more than ready when we embark on our Olympic mission,” Manpreet said.
India will open their campaign in the Pro League against the Netherlands, ranked World No. 3, on Saturday and Sunday, then host world champions Belgium on February 8 and 9, followed by two more home fixtures against Australia (World No. 1) on February 22 and 23.
The team will then play away games in Germany (April 25 and 26) and Britain (May 2 and 3) before returning to play at home on May 23 and 24 against New Zealand. They then travel to Argentina to play on June 5 and 6. India will play the last leg of the Pro League round-robin matches in Spain on June 13 and 14.
Manpreet is thrilled at his nomination for the Player of the Year award by the International Hockey Federation (FIH). “I thank my teammates and the coaching staff for the honour. Hockey is a team game and nothing can be achieved individually. Everyone has a role to play in all successes and achievements,” the midfielder said.
The 27-year old pointed out that as captain, he has some extra responsibility. “Both on and off the field the captain always has a greater role to play — whether it be in forwarding the ball to others during a game or in motivating teammates, dividing responsibility and, in general, keeping the morale up…”
While 2018 was a disappointing year for men’s hockey, as India had crashed out in the quarter finals of the World Cup, 2019 was more promising. The team made the cut for Tokyo under new coach, Graham Reid of Australia, and consistently maintained the No. 5 ranking all through the year. Though Manpreet would like to take it step by step in the Summer Games, he feels “reaching the finals in Tokyo is quite an achievable target”.
The ace stick-wielder, who will be participating in his third Olympics, took to hockey quite naturally as he grew up watching his elder brothers play the game. Though financial crisis had prevented his brothers from pursuing the game at a higher level, Manpreet was luckier to have got the support which has helped him reach where he is today.
Does he have any sporting idols? The 27-year-old is a die-hard Cristiano Ronaldo fan. “I admire Cristiano for the footballer that he is, for his hard work, dedication and struggle that has taken him to the top of his game. There’s much to learn from the man,” Manpreet said.
