The Indian mens hockey teams captain, Harmanpreet Singh, and vice-captain, Hardik Singh, recently discussed the teams preparations for upcoming crucial tournaments, including the Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai 2023 and the Hangzhou Asian Games, which holds the prospect of direct qualification for the Paris Olympic Games 2024.In this episode of Hockey Te Charcha, we speak with Harmanpreet Singh and Hardik Singh, Captain and Vice Captain of Indian Mens Team.In this episode, they talked about their fond memories of Chennai and the teams preparations for the upcoming crucial tournaments including the… pic.twitter.com/W0qqTb1Rvd— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) August 1, 2023In a podcast series, Hockey Te Charcha, initiated by Hockey India, the two players emphasised the significance of the special camps conducted by Goalkeeping Coach Dennis van de Pol from the Netherlands and the appointment of mental health conditioning coach Paddy Upton ahead of the crucial tournaments.Harmanpreet Singh highlighted the importance of learning from experienced professionals, stating, “It is really important. When you get to learn from someone who has tons of experience, it makes a huge difference. We have had good sessions in Bengaluru with Paddy and Dennis. These have helped us a lot as a team.”He further added, “The next two months are very important for us. At the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Chennai 2023, we have this opportunity of playing quality matches before the Hangzhou Asian Games. It will be a good experience for the players. We have to make sure that we execute our strategies that we have worked on and I am sure that the tournament will be helpful for the players.”Chennai very special for me, says Indian Hockey team captain Harmanpreet SinghThe upcoming Asian Champions Trophy holds special significance as it is being held in India for the first time, with Chennai serving as the host city. For Harmanpreet Singh, Chennai holds sentimental value as it was the place where he caught the eye of the then High-Performance Director of Hockey India, Roelant Oltmans, during the Hockey India Junior National Championships.Hardik Singh also expressed excitement about international matches returning to Chennai after 16 years, recalling the support they received from the fans during previous events. He mentioned, “It is really special for everyone that the Hero Asian Champions Trophy is being held in Chennai. The way the crowd supported us in Rourkela and Bhubaneswar, we hope that the fans come in huge numbers, fill the stadium and support us. I am looking forward to playing in Chennai.”Remembering his debut at the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy in Muscat, where India and Pakistan were declared joint winners due to rain, Hardik said, “It was a new experience for me as it was the first important tournament for me and I was making my debut. But I was under no pressure and I knew that I have to give my best for the team.”Hardik Singh, who recently achieved the milestone of earning his 100th international cap for India, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent the country, stating, “It is a blessing that I have represented the country. I feel honoured that I have been given this opportunity.”Captain Harmanpreet Singh spoke highly of his camaraderie with Hardik over the years, praising him as an excellent player who gives his all for the team. “I have been with him ever since he started his journey. He is an excellent player. The way he plays and carries the team is truly commendable. Whenever he is there on the field, it feels like there is someone who is giving his best every time and sacrificing his everything for the team. We all learn from him and going forward, I want more players like Hardik,” the captain said.
