Started my Hockey here, representing country on same turf is a proud moment

Sarpanch Saab invites fans & families to throng stadium and cheer for India

Jalandhar, 01 November (H.S.): Indian Men's Hockey Team Captain Harmanpreet Singh today said that playing in Punjab, close to his home, in front of family and a jam-packed stadium has been a great and emotional experience for the entire team.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy being played at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium, Jalandhar, Harmanpreet popularly known as 'Sarpanch' said that hosting an international tournament of this stature in the State for the first time is a moment of pride. The stadium is jam-packed and the energy of the crowd is electrifying. It boosts the team morale to a great extent. I started my hockey here and representing the country on the same turf is a big thing. Interacting with everyone's families around makes it even more special, he said.

Commenting on the team's performance, the twice Olympics Bronze Medalist at Tokyo & Paris said the team is shaping up very well. Referring to the tough encounter against Japan, he said such matches are very important and test the team's patience. We displayed calmness and a balanced mindset during the first three quarters. We didn't score but we didn't concede either. In the last quarter we upped the tempo. The main thing is to have a strong mindset and stay focused throughout the 60 minutes, he added.

On the upcoming crucial match against Malaysia, Double Gold Medal winner at Hangzhou and Aichi Nagoya Asian Games Harmanpreet averred it would decide the pool topper as both teams have won three games each. Every team is good. They haven't changed their tactics much. Our focus is on what we can do and are capable of achieving. Knowing your opponent is vital and you learn from each of the previous 10 matches you have played against them (Malaysia), he stated.

The Captain further said that his friends have been sending him videos of the packed stadium and scores of people waiting outside, which is a clear proof of the love for hockey among Punjabis.

Appealing to the fans to throng the stadium in large numbers, Harmanpreet presently serving as DSP in Punjab Police, invited them to come with families and children to support the national squad. In his message in Punjabi, he urged people to motivate the team on its home ground, adding that it would also be a motivating factor for their children to take up sports.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH