The Indian hockey staff 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 greatest 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 a giant 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 tough for me. For the primary time, I used to be experiencing this — getting injured in a giant event. It exhausted me mentally. You spend 4 years to arrange for this event, you get injured, then it’s over,” mentioned Hardik, who made his India debut in 2018, over a video name.
“It was very arduous. The event was happening at dwelling. On prime of that such a giant event, it was a once-in-a-lifetime alternative that you just get to play a World Cup at dwelling. I’ve performed two now. Both likelihood is misplaced.”
But the introspection stage is now over and the staff is wanting in direction of the long run with the Pro League all set to renew. Hardik is match and desirous to show a degree in opposition to reigning world champions Germany and Tokyo Olympics silver medallists Australia within the mini-tournament that will probably be held from March 10 to fifteen on the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela.
With 86 worldwide caps to his identify, Hockey India (HI) has named the midfielder as the brand new vice-captain of the staff, a point out of which instantly brings an enormous smile to the face of the 24-year-old.
“I am feeling very good after becoming vice-captain. It is a big thing for me. When I debuted in 2018 I never thought I would be the vice-captain of the Indian team. Our former captains Manpreet (Singh), (PR) Sreejesh, current skipper Harmanpreet (Singh)… I will try my best to take forward the value systems they have implemented in the team,” mentioned Hardik, who was a part of the staff that gained bronze on the Tokyo Olympics.
“At the same time, all the new athletes who are coming in, who have 5-10 caps, I will try to help them. I have come through the same phase so I know what is going through their mind. I have held meetings with them and I am sure the team will do well in the next four matches and prepare well for the Asian Games,” added Hardik.
India will tackle reigning world champions Germany in Rourkela on Friday earlier than taking over Australia on March 12. India will face Germany once more on March 13 earlier than their going through Australia once more on March 15.
Source: www.hindustantimes.com
