Paris 2024 Olympics hockey: It’s my responsibility to step up whenever my team needs me, says India captain Harmanpreet Singh
The Indian men’s hockey team stunned Australia 3-2 in its final group stage match to storm into the quarter-finals of the Paris 2024 Olympics hockey tournament as Group B runner-ups behind reigning champions Belgium.
A different result in the match, a loss or a draw, wouldn’t have changed much as India would have still gone through to the top eight. However, the victory, India’s first against the Kookaburras in Olympic hockey since 1972, was a big statement of purpose.
Led from the front by skipper Harmanpreet Singh, who is currently the second-highest goal scorer in the tournament, Team India’s aim in Paris will be to improve on their bronze medal finish from Tokyo 2020, which saw India stand on an Olympic hockey podium after 41 long years.
Here, the Indian hockey captain shares his thoughts about the upcoming challenges.
On the significance of the Indian vs Australia result.
Harmanpreet Singh: This is our last match in the pool. We started (the tournament by) winning, and we decided we were going to finish with a winning match. We put them under pressure and the pressure was so good from the frontline. And our motto was to score the first goal. So we did it and I think after that we managed very well.
Our positioning with the ball was really good today. Because everybody knows that the Australians come full press. So the positioning and scanning was good today, the way we managed the ball.
On having had defining influences on three matches so far, scoring six goals.
Harmanpreet Singh: It's my responsibility. So, because of that, I have to. I have no options (but to rise to the occasion). Every time, I try to give my best whenever I get an opportunity to pick up the ball. But I think all credit goes to the team, the forward line and the midfield, the passing to the forwards, and when they are entering in the circle we make good chances and (penalty corners). So I'm (always) ready (when we get them).”
On whether he can end up as the tournament’s top scorer.
Harmanpreet Singh: I'm not thinking about that. I'm just focusing on myself and whenever I get an opportunity I will definitely try to score a goal and (be top scorer). It's my responsibility, as I mentioned. So yeah, I will try to (be top scorer).”
On whether he believes India will win its first hockey gold since 1980.
Harmanpreet Singh: That's why we are here, man. That's what we are looking for. To give India its ninth (hockey) gold. As a team we are achieving. We are giving everything to win that gold medal. But the main tournament is starting now. So the quarter-finals, the semi-finals, those matches are very crucial. So we're just looking to give our best.”
On how psychology changes in knockout rounds.
Harmanpreet Singh: In the pool matches, you have options. Maybe you win, or you lose, you have the next match. In the quarter-finals, you don't have any (more chances) so you have to go for the best and put your best foot in front, and you know there's no room to make mistakes. So, every second you have to be sharp every time, whenever you get the opportunity to make sure you are finishing well. It is that mentality we have to keep in our minds.
On India potentially winning a ninth Olympic hockey gold medal.
Harmanpreet Singh: It is going to be the craziest thing in our life, in hockey history. Because last time (in Tokyo) we won the bronze medal people went crazy, man. The whole of India was cheering for us, and we would love to give them the gold medal and history. So we'll try to give our best.
On being a hockey star in a hockey-mad country.
Harmanpreet Singh: When you go in the street and people recognise you and want a picture with you, it's amazing. It doesn't happen that often - I’m not famous. But it feels amazing, man. No doubt. It’s great, because my main thing is (whether I) am I (performing) my responsibility (to the team well) or not. So every time I pick my hockey stick and go onto the field, I feel pushed to perform. And (I am able to) because of my team-mates. They're all my teammates and the credit goes to my team first.