New Delhi, August 15: Indian men’s hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh has expressed confidence in ending the country’s 51-year wait for the FIH Hockey World Cup title. Speaking on GeoStar, Harmanpreet stated, “The World Cup means a lot to all of us because after this tournament, you never know what might happen. With several senior players in the team, this is a fantastic opportunity for us. We have worked hard and trained well, and we believe we can achieve this. Our only goal is to give our best and win a medal. Winning medals in Tokyo and Paris has certainly inspired us.”
Harmanpreet mentioned that the team will enter the competition as underdogs, which could work in their favor. Instead of feeling the weight of expectations, the team views this tournament as a chance to showcase their abilities on the world stage. “We hope to bring the trophy home. The journey will be tough, but we are ready,” he added.
He emphasized the importance of trust within the team and a positive mindset, stating, “It doesn’t matter who scores or defends, as long as we win as a team. We will give it our all.”
The captain highlighted that their goal is to lift the trophy, with a disciplined defense as their foundation. A solid defensive structure will allow India to create more scoring opportunities. The team has been practicing various defensive strategies, including full press, half-court press, and low press situations. Harmanpreet noted that the team has dedicated significant time to understanding their responsibilities within these systems.
He believes that a well-organized defense can continuously apply pressure on the opposing team and create scoring chances inside the opponent’s circle. “When you defend well, it creates opportunities to penetrate the opponent’s zone. Knowing how to convert 50-50 chances, receive well under pressure, and achieve results—whether it’s a shot on goal or earning a penalty corner—are crucial,” he said.
Since their victory in 1975, India has not won the men’s hockey World Cup, but Harmanpreet is confident that the current team possesses both the experience and confidence to challenge for the title.
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Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.