Harmanpreet Singh
About
Harmanpreet Singh, as the captain of the Indian men's hockey team,is celebrated for his skills as a drag-flick specialist and a stalwart defender of the Indian Hockey team. He has been instrumental in India's resurgence on the international stage. Renowned for his exceptional skills as a drag-flick specialist, he has played a crucial role in earning India medals at the Olympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games.
Starting his career at Surjeet Academy, Jalandhar, Harmanpreet honed his craft under the mentorship of seasoned players Gaganpreet and Sukhjeet Singh. His powerful penalty corner flicks and steadfast defensive prowess quickly made him a standout talent at the junior level.
He made his junior national debut at the Sultan Johor Cup in 2011, followed by a stellar performance in 2014, where he was named Player of the Tournament after scoring nine goals and leading India to victory.
Harmanpreet's senior debut came in 2015 during a Test series against Japan. Despite a challenging start at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where the Indian team struggled, Harmanpreet's persistence saw him bounce back to win the Junior World Cup the same year, reaffirming his potential.
Awards and accomplishments
Awards and accomplishments
Harmanpreet was pivotal in India’s historic bronze medal win at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, scoring vital goals, that propelled the team to success. His remarkable performance at the Asian Games 2023, where he was the top scorer with 13 goals, including two in the final against Japan, helped India clinch the gold medal and secure a berth at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
In 2022, Harmanpreet led India to a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games and was named FIH Player of the Year, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the sport. With over 150 goals in close to 200 international appearances, Harmanpreet’s scoring skills were further highlighted when he emerged as the top scorer in the 2021-22 FIH Pro League with 18 goals, leading India to a third-place finish.
Why Harmanpreet Singh?
Harmanpreet Singh’s journey from a promising junior player to the captain of the Indian national team is a powerful narrative of perseverance, hard work, and excellence. His ability to overcome setbacks, such as his exclusion from the senior team post-2016 Rio Olympics, and his subsequent rise to prominence, offers valuable lessons in resilience and determination.
Harmanpreet’s journey, coupled with his experience of leading a team under pressure, makes him an ideal speaker for events. He can inspire audiences with his insights on teamwork, leadership, and achieving goals against the odds.
