New Delhi [India], August 15 (ANI): India males’s hockey crew captain Harmanpreet Singh stated the aspect is set to finish the nation’s 51-year watch for the FIH Hockey World Cup title, insisting that the crew is able to give its all within the event.
Speaking to JioStar, Harmanpreet stated the World Cup presents a serious alternative for the crew, particularly with a number of senior gamers within the squad.
‘The World Cup means rather a lot to all of us as a result of after this World Cup, you by no means know what may occur. There are a number of senior gamers within the crew as properly, so for us, it is a nice alternative,’ Harmanpreet stated.
The captain stated the crew’s laborious work and preparations have given them confidence that they’ll problem for the title, whereas their back-to-back Olympic medals in Tokyo and Paris have supplied further motivation.
‘We imagine that we will undoubtedly do that. And that is our solely purpose, to offer our greatest and win a medal. Of course, successful back-to-back medals in Tokyo and Paris has undoubtedly been a really motivating issue for us,’ he added.
Harmanpreet additionally embraced India’s underdog tag, saying the crew desires to make use of the chance to point out its capabilities on the largest stage.
‘We are right here as underdogs. We imagine that is the precise state of affairs for us to point out everybody what India can do and what functionality India has. The hope is to deliver the trophy dwelling,’ he stated, whereas talking to JioStar.
Acknowledging that the journey can be difficult, Harmanpreet harassed the significance of crew unity and a constructive mindset.
‘It’s simple to say, and the journey shall be robust and tough, however we’re prepared. The crew trusts each other and our mindset is constructive. Who scores or who defends does not matter, so long as we win as a crew. We will go all out,’ he stated.
Harmanpreet additionally recognized defence as India’s prime precedence, saying a powerful defensive construction can be essential to their marketing campaign.
‘Our first precedence shall be defence. If we defend properly all through the event, we shall be near reaching what now we have come right here for. We have practised rather well in that space,’ he stated.
He added that the crew has labored extensively on totally different defensive constructions, together with full press, half-court and low press, by particular person conferences and crew discussions.
Harmanpreet additional highlighted the significance of changing alternatives within the opposition’s circle, saying India’s capability to deal with strain and create outcomes from 50-50 probabilities might show decisive.
‘Because once you defend properly, conditions will come up to persistently enter the opponent’s D. So, the best way to convert these 50-50 probabilities, the best way to do the receiving properly beneath strain, the best way to well produce an end result within the D, whether or not it is a shot on objective or incomes a penalty nook, these issues shall be crucial,’ he stated.
India was drawn in Pool D together with England, Wales and arch-rivals Pakistan. Having gained the 1975 version by beating Pakistan 2-1 within the ultimate, the World Cup glory has eluded India for the final 50 years.
Having registered a ninth-place end within the 2023 version held at Bhubaneswar, India shall be aiming to deliver the gold dwelling, driving on the again of the momentum of two back-to-back Olympic bronze medals, an Asia Cup title win, two Asian Champions Trophy wins and an Asia Cup gold. (ANI)