Conditions in favour or not, Manpreet Singh is confident Indian hockey team will play to its potential at Paris Olympics 2024

Manpreet Singh captained the to a bronze medal at Tokyo Olympics.

Manpreet Singh, the former captain of the Indian men’s hockey team who led India to win the bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, is confident that the team will perform well in Paris Olympics 2024 and that the preparations have reached the final phase.

The 32-year-old, who is a pioneer of the Indian men’s hockey team, will play a vital role in the Paris Olympics 2024.

Manpreet Singh was born into a farmer’s family in Punjab, India, and has an interesting story behind his hockey journey. When he was 10 years old, he often played the sport, but his mother disapproved of it and used to lock him in a room. Nevertheless, he managed to escape every time.

His brother too was angry with him, and his family started supporting him after the 2013 Sultan of Johor Cup when he was 21 years old. Since then, he has achieved various milestones.

Khel Now recently had the opportunity to speak with Manpreet Singh, and he is confident that hockey will continue to grow in India and that support for the sport will increase tremendously in the future.

How’s the team preparation going on for the Paris Olympics?

In the wake of their historic bronze medal victory at the Tokyo Olympics, the Indian men’s hockey team has been rigorously preparing for the upcoming Paris games. The team’s former captain and midfield maestro, Manpreet Singh, remains a pivotal figure in this quest for Olympic glory.

With a focus on enhancing fitness and strength, the squad has been actively competing in the Pro League, testing their mettle against some of the world’s top teams.

“The team is doing a good job right now as we are working on their fitness and strength, the Tokyo Olympics medalist said.

Is playing in European conditions different from Asian conditions?

The conditions in Paris Olympics 2024 will present a new set of challenges, with the weather and the presence of spectators being the most notable changes from the spectator-less arenas of Tokyo. Despite these differences, Manpreet Singh is confident of the team’s chances.

“The weather will be a bit different from Tokyo last time for sure. Apart from the weather, this time there will be a crowd because last time there was no crowd in Tokyo.

“We have played in Europe with many European teams, and it won’t make a difference much. We are just hoping to play our game and looking forward to giving our best in every single match.”

Is there any pressure on the team to improve the colour of the medal in Paris?

Playing for India provides a unique set of challenges and pressure and with India’s resolve in Tokyo 2020, where the men’s team clinched the bronze medal after defeating Germany 5-4, clinching their first hockey medal after the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

However, for Manpreet, the sentiment within the camp is clear: there is no burden of expectation to alter their Olympic legacy, only the aspiration to elevate it.

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“There is no pressure on us to change the colour. We always enjoy wearing our national colour and playing for the nation which gives us goosebumps and the confidence to give our best for the country and to make our nation proud.

This time also we want to give our best in every single match. We also feel that no team will be easy, and they will give their best, so we also have to perform well to defeat them.”, said the Indian Hockey team midfielder.

As a sport that demands both speed and endurance, what would you say are the most significant challenges faced by hockey players today?

Indian hockey has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Once overshadowed by other sports, it has now begun to carve out its niche, propelled by a series of systematic changes.

The focus on fitness, which was once the cornerstone of the sport’s strategy, has now evolved to address a broader spectrum of challenges.

“There is no big challenge now because earlier if you go back three to four years the major challenge our team faced was fitness but now our fitness is really good and we are competing against all big teams.

“Now whenever we face a good team, we just need to give our hundred percent and take all the opportunities we get and convert them to goals and most importantly we don’t want to give them any chances. If we are playing against Netherlands, Australia and if we give them an easy passage we will get punished.”

How do you see the domestic setup and your views about the Hockey India League (HIL)?

The resurgence of domestic hockey in India is not just a testament to the sport’s growing popularity but also its successful strategic development at the grassroots level.

The participation of national players in the senior nationals has been a game-changer, elevating the quality of competition and providing a spectacle for fans across the nation.

“The domestic level is getting better now because all the national players played in the senior nationals last year and this year all the senior women are playing the nationals.

“This is good because all the fans can see their favourite players in the national competition. The kids can also look at them and start playing hockey because whenever they see Harman or Hardik playing, they will get the confidence to play hockey.”

Speaking about the Hockey India League, Manpreet Singh said, “The HIL is a good platform for all the youngsters because last time we got so many talented youngsters and it will restart soon. It will also help the budding players financially and give them a chance to play with big players.”

Do you believe hockey, traditionally associated with Punjab, can regain its status as India’s premier team sport, especially with emerging powerhouses like Odisha and Ranchi making significant strides in the sport?

“Yes, earlier hockey was popular in Punjab but now it’s changing and the other states are picking up. We have Odisha, UP, and Tamilnadu who are picking up hockey.

“Hockey is a community-driven game, and as more upcoming players from diverse regions take up the sport, we have the opportunity to revive its glory reminiscent of the 1990s. We are doing a good job so far and we should keep doing it to encourage more youngsters.”

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