World Cup is important for us, hope we will win: Harmanpreet Singh!

Indian men's hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh has talked about ending the country's 51-year wait for the FIH Hockey World Cup title. Harmanpreet said on Geostar, “The World Cup means a lot to all of us because after this World Cup, you never know what can happen. There are many senior players in the team as well, so it is a great opportunity for us.

The amount of hard work we have put in and the way we have trained, we believe we can definitely do it. This is our only aim, to give our best and win a medal. Of course, winning consecutive medals in Tokyo and Paris has been a motivation for us.”

Harmanpreet said that we will enter this competition as an underdog, but it can be in our favor. Instead of carrying the burden of expectations, the team is looking at this tournament as an opportunity to showcase their ability on the world stage. Hopefully we will bring home the trophy. This journey will be difficult, but we are ready.

“The team believes in each other and our mindset is positive. It doesn't matter who scores or who defends, as long as we win as a team. We will give our all,” he said.

The captain said that our aim is to lift the trophy, our defense is our foundation. A disciplined defensive structure will allow India to create more chances on the other end. We have practiced very well in that area.

India have worked extensively on different defensive tactics during their preparations, with the team training for full press, half-court press and low press situations. Harmanpreet said that the team has also given a lot of time to understand their respective responsibilities within those systems.

Harmanpreet believes that a well-organized defense can provide a platform to the team to repeatedly put pressure on the opposition and create scoring chances inside the opposition circle. Because when you defend well, situations will arise for the opposing team to enter the zone.

Knowing how to convert 50-50 chances, how to receive well under pressure, and how to get results, whether it's a shot on goal or a penalty corner, will be vital.

India have not won the Men's Hockey World Cup since their triumph in 1975, and Harmanpreet believes the current team has both the experience and confidence to challenge for the title.