Harmanpreet Singh, the Indian hockey team’s captain, faced intense scrutiny after India’s disappointing performance at the 2023 World Cup. Despite leading 3-1 at one point, India lost 3-3 (4-5) to New Zealand in the crossover match, resulting in their worst-ever finish as a host nation.
Harmanpreet, who had scored only once in four games, took the blame for the loss. However, he remained confident and worked tirelessly to improve his conversion rate. With the support of assistant coach Shivendra Singh, he spent extra hours practicing against top goalkeepers like PR Sreejesh and Krishan Bahadur Pathak.
Harmanpreet’s determination paid off as he led India to gold at the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy, becoming the tournament’s highest scorer with nine goals. His 13 goals at the 2023 Asian Games helped India secure a direct ticket to the Paris Olympics.
In the 2022-23 Pro League, Harmanpreet emerged as the highest scorer with 18 goals. He continued his impressive form in the 2023-24 edition, scoring 12 goals. However, the true test of his abilities came at the Olympics.
At the 2023 World Cup, opposition teams had effectively neutralized Harmanpreet’s penalty corner threat. However, India’s chief coach Craig Fulton and Harmanpreet had devised a counter-strategy for Paris.
Fulton instructed the forwards to enter the circle and attempt to score. If unsuccessful, they were to draw a penalty corner and allow Harmanpreet to take the shot. This strategy proved highly effective, as India scored 15 goals in eight matches in Paris, with Harmanpreet contributing an incredible 10.
Harmanpreet’s exceptional composure and decision-making were crucial to India’s success. He analyzed the opposition’s tactics and exploited their weaknesses. Against Spain, he noticed that goalkeeper Luiz Calzado tended to stay in the center, so he fired two low shots that secured India’s second consecutive Olympic bronze medal.
Harmanpreet’s journey from despair to redemption is a testament to his resilience and determination. After the disappointment of the World Cup, he worked tirelessly to improve his game and led India to Olympic glory.
