look news india
New Delhi, July 11 (HS). Indian hockey team's senior midfielder Manpreet Singh is excited to represent the country in his fourth Olympics in Paris, a remarkable achievement that puts him at par with the legendary Dhanraj Pillai.
Set to play in his fourth Olympics, Manpreet expressed his joy and pride as quoted by Hockey India on Thursday, saying, “Playing in my fourth Olympics is a dream come true and a milestone that fills me with immense pride. It is a testament to years of hard work, dedication and unwavering support from my family, coaches and teammates. To follow in the footsteps of a legend like Dhanraj Pillai, who has been an inspiration to countless players, including me, is an honour beyond words.”
He said, “I am excited to give my all for India in Paris, representing not just the team, but the hopes and dreams of millions of fans. Our team is ready to show the world the spirit and strength of Indian hockey. We have worked hard, and we are determined to give our best to bring honour to our country and make our countrymen proud.”
Manpreet made his senior team debut in 2011. Since then, the dynamic midfielder has earned an impressive 370 caps and scored 27 goals, showcasing his skill and consistency on the field. His journey with the national team includes participation in three previous Olympic Games: the 2012 London Olympics, the 2016 Rio Olympics, and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he captained the team to a historic bronze medal, India's first Olympic hockey medal in 41 years.
On the team's mindset and expectations for the Paris Olympics, as well as whether there will be any pressure to match the Tokyo Olympics performance, Manpreet said, “There is no pressure on us; instead, we are looking forward to enjoying our performance in every match. We should not underestimate any team, regardless of their ranking. Each team will put their best foot forward on the field, and so will we. Our focus is on fulfilling our responsibilities and supporting each other as a cohesive unit. We believe that by focusing on our game and maintaining our composure, we can achieve great results. It is all about playing with passion and determination.”
It is noteworthy that the Indian men's hockey team on Monday left for Mike Horn's base in Switzerland, where they will undergo a three-day training period for mental strength. After this, the Harmanpreet Singh-led team will travel to the Netherlands for a series of practice matches before reaching Paris on July 20.
India have been placed in Pool B for the Paris 2024 Olympics, which includes defending champions Belgium, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand and Ireland. To advance to the quarter-finals, the team will have to finish in the top four in their pool. Pool A includes the Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain, Spain, South Africa and host nation France, setting the stage for a highly competitive men's hockey tournament featuring 12 teams.