The Indian hockey workforce suffered a painful exit from the World Cup in January. The agony was maybe felt most acutely by Hardik Singh, who suffered a hamstring damage throughout the group stage match in opposition to England, and was dominated out of the quadrennial occasion.
The playmaker was arguably India’s finest participant in Odisha. After scoring a sensational purpose in opposition to Spain within the opener, he single-handedly created a number of probabilities within the 0-0 draw in opposition to England. His loss was an enormous blow to Harmanpreet Singh and firm, who have been knocked out within the crossover stage of the World Cup after they misplaced to New Zealand.
“Sitting exterior (and watching India lose) was very troublesome for me. For the primary time, I used to be experiencing this — getting injured in an enormous match. It exhausted me mentally. You spend 4 years to organize for this match, you get injured, then it’s over,” mentioned Hardik, who made his India debut in 2018, over a video name.
“It was very laborious. The match was going down at dwelling. On prime of that such an enormous match, it was a once-in-a-lifetime alternative that you just get to play a World Cup at dwelling. I’ve performed two now. Each chances are high misplaced.”
However the introspection stage is now over and the workforce is trying in direction of the longer term with the Professional League all set to renew. Hardik is match and wanting to show some extent in opposition to reigning world champions Germany and Tokyo Olympics silver medallists Australia within the mini-tournament that can be held from March 10 to fifteen on the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela.
With 86 worldwide caps to his title, Hockey India (HI) has named the midfielder as the brand new vice-captain of the workforce, a point out of which instantly brings an enormous smile to the face of the 24-year-old.
“I’m feeling excellent after turning into vice-captain. It’s a large factor for me. Once I debuted in 2018 I by no means thought I might be the vice-captain of the Indian workforce. Our former captains Manpreet (Singh), (PR) Sreejesh, present skipper Harmanpreet (Singh)… I’ll strive my finest to take ahead the worth techniques they’ve carried out within the workforce,” mentioned Hardik, who was a part of the workforce that gained bronze on the Tokyo Olympics.
“On the similar time, all the brand new athletes who’re coming in, who’ve 5-10 caps, I’ll attempt to assist them. I’ve come via the identical part so I do know what goes via their thoughts. I’ve held conferences with them and I’m positive the workforce will do effectively within the subsequent 4 matches and put together effectively for the Asian Video games,” added Hardik.
India will tackle reigning world champions Germany in Rourkela on Friday earlier than taking up Australia on March 12. India will face Germany once more on March 13 earlier than their going through Australia once more on March 15.