Indian hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh in an exclusive conversation with Times Now Digital
New Delhi: Indian Hockey Captain Harmanpreet Singhwho received a special award in the Times Now Incredible Indian Awards 2024 for his exceptional performance in the Paris 2024 Olympic GamesHe spoke at length about his team’s performance at the quadrennial event and the future of hockey in India. The Men in Blue created history by winning back-to-back bronze medals for the first time at the Olympics after 52 years.
Harmanpreet, who also served as the vice-captain of Team India during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, said it was an “honour” for him to lead the team in Paris. India defeated Spain 2-1 in the men’s hockey bronze medal match at Paris 2024 on August 8. The 28-year-old India captain has scored 10 goals at the 2024 Summer Olympics, including the two goals India scored in the blockbuster bronze medal match against Spain.
“It’s a great honour for me to have been with the team as captain and it was a great moment for me. The last time we won bronze, I was the vice-captain and this time I was leading the team, so it was a great opportunity for me and it was a very good trip,” he said.
The win marks India’s 13th Olympic medal in hockey, its fourth bronze and second consecutive bronze after winning one at Tokyo 2020. It is also the first time since 1972 that India has won back-to-back medals in hockey.
Amit Rohidas red card
But one of the most critical moments of the Paris Olympics was when Amit Rohidas was given a red card during India’s quarter-final match against Great Britain. The Harmanpreet Singh-led team was reduced to 10 men and Rohidas was unable to play against Germany in the semi-finals of the Paris Olympics due to the one-match ban he received in the last-eight round.
“It was very sudden and unexpected but we kept believing in ourselves and whatever our coach was telling us. It really helped us otherwise it is very difficult to play without a player and even more so when he got a red card in the first quarter. It was very difficult. We all had the same mindset that we can play and win the match and it is a great achievement that we were one player less and still won the match,” he told Times Now Digital on the sidelines of the Times Now Amazing Indians Awards 2024.
The Indian team managed to force a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw despite being a man down in regular time and secured a 4-2 win in the shoot-out to advance to the semi-finals.
The future of hockey in India
Harmanpreet believes that India’s future in hockey is bright and with the Indian Hockey League When it starts again, the youngsters will have the opportunity to play with great players, which will further boost their confidence.
“The future is very bright, no doubt. It is a great achievement for us to get two consecutive medals in hockey and the amount of love we are receiving. It is a good start for India and when the team recovers, the team will recover.” Hockey in India “The league is starting and all the youngsters will get a chance to play with some great players which will further boost their confidence,” the Indian captain added.
Notably, men’s hockey, with 13 medals, including eight gold, has been the sport that has contributed the most to India’s Olympic medal tally, followed by wrestling with eight medals. India returned with its best haul of seven medals, including one gold, at Tokyo 2020. And this year, the Harmenpreet Singh-led team won a bronze.
Harmanpreet Singh receives the Amazing Indians award
India’s Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kirin Rijiju presented Harmanpreet Singh with a special award at the Amazing Indians Awards for his exceptional performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Speaking at the event, the Indian hockey captain admitted that there was a lot of pressure but staying focused helps.
“There was a lot of pressure as the Olympics are a platform where the best teams from all over the world compete. And the bronze medal match is a life or death situation and you have to fight until the end. We had the same idea in mind. At the same time, you are so focused that you don’t think about the pressure. However, it is never easy,” she said.
On August 24, Times Network hosted the Amazing Indians Awards in New Delhi, honouring 13 exceptional individuals for their significant contributions to society. The event, attended by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, recognised unsung heroes in 12 categories, including education, agriculture and women’s rights empowerment. The ceremony also celebrated India’s Olympic success, with special recognitions for bronze medallists Aman Sehrawat and Harmanpreet Singh.
Celebrating the sporting success of the just-concluded Paris Olympics, the Union Minister said, “Thank you Olympic medallists Aman Sehrawat and Harmanpreet Singh for making the country proud and bringing happiness to the nation. Seeing sporting success stories and contributions from all walks of life has made India truly proud.”
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