Harmanpreet Singh: Good results against top teams are a big morale boost

The Indian defender expresses confidence after a good start in the FIH Hockey Pro League.

With less than 150 days to go for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, the Indian Men's hockey team vice-captain Harmanpreet Singh expressed the need to improve every day without being too complacent about their recent results.

The Indian Men's Hockey Team got off to a dream start in their maiden FIH Hockey Pro League campaign with 5-1 and 3-3 (3-1) win against the Netherlands, 2-1 win and 2-3 loss against the World Champions Belgium, and most recently 3-4 loss and 2-2 (3-1) win against Defending Champions Australia.

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Team's dynamic drag-flicker and vice-captain pointed out that the hunt to be a better unit will continue till they achieve their goal. He said, “Good results against the world's top 3 teams are no doubt a big morale boost for the entire team but there are a lot of areas that still concerns us.”

“When the team met after the double-header against Australia, it was decided that we will go back to basics when we meet for a four-week long National Camp in SAI Bengaluru.”, stated Harmanpreet Singh who was adjudged 'Player of the Match' against Australia.

The defender also feels that the team needs to work on being consistent in all four quarters. He raised several points including focusing on tackling outside the circle and improving the conversion rate in goal scoring.

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"We have paid a price in these matches for slowing down or dropping the tempo in between quarters. This is an area of concern in the lead up to the Olympic Games.”, remarked the defender.

He added, “Also Coach believes we can do better in terms of circle penetration, tackling outside the circle and not conceding too many PCs. A long camp will definitely help focus on these critical points.”