Harmanpreet Singh: Indian hockey’s drag-flick superstar

Though a defender, Harmanpreet Singh is frequently seen in the opposition third, celebrating his stunning goals with his teammates.

Harmanpreet Singh has made a name for himself in world hockey as a drag-flick superstar and is regarded a vital cog in Indian hockey’s resurgence in recent years.

The penalty corner specialist’s powerful flicks, coupled with his exceptional work rate in defence, has earned Harmanpreet Singh plenty of accolades, the highlight being the Olympic bronze medals at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.

Harmanpreet Singh’s career highlight: Olympic medals and Asian Games glory

Harmanpreet Singh’s role in the Indian team’s historic bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 was immense.

Chasing its first Olympic medal in 41 years, the Indian men’s hockey team was spurred on by some inspirational performances from Harmanpreet Singh, who made his presence felt at the quadrennial showpiece right from the start.

The powerful defender found the net twice in the opening game against New Zealand, scoring both goals through penalty corners and sealing victory for India. That win set the ball rolling for India’s spectacular campaign at Tokyo 2020.

Harmanpreet scored two more in the group-stage games before the all-important knockout stage.

Harmanpreet Singh scored again in the semi-final against Belgium, but his strike wasn’t enough for India to make the final.

Nonetheless, Harmanpreet Singh equalised for India against Germany in the bronze medal play-off, before Rupinder Pal Singh and Simranjeet Singh a goal each, guiding India to their 12th medal at the Summer Games.

With six goals, Harmanpreet Singh finished as the Indian hockey team’s top scorer at Tokyo 2020.

Named captain of the Indian men's hockey team ahead of the FIH Pro League 2022-23 season, Harmanpreet led India to a gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, which also secured their qualification for Paris 2024.

At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Harmanpreet, as captain, guided India to another bronze medal. This achievement marked the first time since Munich 1972 that India won consecutive Olympic medals in hockey. Harmanpreet Singh’s tally of 10 goals was also the highest in the tournament.

Where was Harmanpreet Singh born

Harmanpreet Singh was born on January 6, 1996, to a farming family in Jandiala Guru township, a village in Amritsar, Punjab.

As a child, Harmanpreet helped his family with farming in the fields, which developed his endurance. Another practice that helped the youngster become a powerful drag flicker is the use of a tractor.

Harmanpreet often drove the heavy vehicle, with the consent of his father, but used to struggle with the rusty gear stick. However, the constant tussle with the gear strengthened Harmanpreet’s arms, building a strong foundation for his powerful drag flicks.

The young boy from Punjab soon traded in the gear stick for a hockey stick and the rest was history.

Harmanpreet Singh’s accomplishments and medals

To further polish his talent, Harmanpreet joined Surjeet Academy, Jalandhar in 2011, where he learned from seniors Gaganpreet Singh and Sukhjeet Singh, who were also penalty corner specialists.

Harmanpreet Singh grabbed eyeballs right from the junior level thanks to his defensive prowess and drag flicks.

It was at these junior camps that the coaches saw the potential of Harmanpreet and fast-tracked him to the Indian junior team.

The coaches also replaced the normal hockey ball with heavier balls, helping Harmanpreet build even more power.

“In two years' time, Harmanpreet may become the best drag-flicker in the world," Harendra Singh, the former coach of the Indian junior hockey team had said earlier.

Harmpanpreet made his debut for the junior national side at the Sultan Johor Cup in 2011.

The goals continued to flow from his stick and three years later, Harmanpreet won the Player of the Tournament award at the 2014 Sultan of Johor Cup. He scored nine goals at the youth tournament in Malaysia and helped India win the top prize.

Consistent performances at the junior level expedited Harmanpreet’s senior debut as he took the field against Japan on May 3, 2015, during a Test series.

Olympic debut in Rio

Harmanpreet continued to play for the youth team as well and won the Junior Men’s Asia Cup in 2015 where he struck 14 goals. At the senior level, Harmanpreet scored his first goal for India during the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in 2016.

His continuous exploits helped him make the Olympic team for the 2016 Rio Games.

India didn’t do well at the Summer Games in Brazil and Harmanpreet faced a difficult period in his career. He was dropped from the senior side for the Asian Champions Trophy and a few other tournaments in the same year.

But Harmanpreet proved his potential by winning the 2016 Junior World Cup with India, where he scored three goals and made a comeback to the senior team.

Harmanpreet Singh slowly found his footing in the Indian hockey team and became the go-to man for penalty corners. He scored his 100th international goal in the FIH Pro League 2021-22.

He was the top scorer of the tournament, finishing with 18 goals as India finished third, behind Netherlands and Belgium.

Harmanpreet also helped India win the silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, smashing nine goals - the second-highest in the competition. He was also named FIH Player of the Year in 2022.

After more than 150 goals for the national team in close to 200 appearances, Harmanpreet Singh was handed the captaincy of the Indian hockey team for the hockey World Cup in January 2023, where the team finished a disappointing ninth.

Harmanpreet Singh, however, has grown into his role as the Indian captain since, guiding the team to the gold medal at the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou and bronze at Paris 2024. Harmanpreet Singh was India's highest scorer at Hangzhou with 13 strikes, including two in the gold medal match vs Japan.

Harmanpreet also led his team to the Asian Champions Trophy titles in 2023 and 2024.

Harmanpreet Singh achievements

• Won bronze medal as captain at Paris 2024 Olympics
• Tournament’s top scorer at Paris 2024
• Won bronze medal at Tokyo 2020 Olympics
• Indian hockey team’s top scorer at Tokyo 2020
• Won the gold medal as captain at Asian Games 2023
• India's top scorer in Asian Games 2023
• Top scorer in FIH Pro League 2021-22
• Captain of Indian hockey team for Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023
• Won silver medal at Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham
• Captain of gold medal-winning Indian teams at Asian Champions Trophy 2023 and 2024