NEW DELHI: Harmanpreet Singh, the dynamic captain of the victorious Indian men's hockey team at the Asian Games, has rebuffed comparisons with cricket legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni, asserting that he lacks Dhoni's trademark composure on the field.
Despite hockey great Dhanraj Pillay's likening of Harmanpreet to Dhoni, the star drag-flicker insisted that their styles are distinct. "On the ground, I am never calm. I am aggressive, unlike Dhoni. But off the field, I try to remain as calm as possible," Harmanpreet stated during a visit to PTI headquarters.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, affectionately known as 'Captain Cool,' is celebrated for his unflappable demeanour during high-pressure cricket situations. He led the Indian cricket team to a historic ODI World Cup title in 2011.
While acknowledging the essential role of aggression in his hockey game, Harmanpreet expressed his deep sense of honour at being compared to Dhoni. However, he candidly admitted that he does not experience the same level of tranquillity while in action.
With India's qualification for the Paris Olympics now secure, Harmanpreet and his team can redirect their focus toward enhancing their performance and aiming for a superior medal finish compared to their bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. India secured their fourth Asian Games gold medal by defeating Japan convincingly with a scoreline of 5-1 in the final in Hangzhou, securing direct qualification for the Paris Olympics.
Relieved of the burden of Olympic qualification, Harmanpreet and his squad are determined to outshine their performance in Tokyo. Harmanpreet affirmed, "As a player, you are never satisfied; you know your dream. If you win a gold medal, the next time you will try to repeat the feat. That is precisely on our mind."
At the Tokyo Olympics, India secured a historic bronze medal, marking their first podium finish in 41 years since their gold medal triumph in Moscow in 1980.
Harmanpreet also praised the camaraderie among the players and the overall progress of Indian hockey. He underscored that the competition for positions within the team augurs well for the sport's growth.
"The good thing about the team is that we have open conversations. There is plenty of competition in the camp, and every player in the core group is good. A player who is not selected also inspires and says if you have been given the responsibility, then go and perform. They don't think they are dropped, although it is there in the back of their minds."
Harmanpreet pointed out that the players' aggressive yet supportive mindset has fostered a strong sense of unity and shared purpose, even when staying together in training camps away from their families.
He concluded by emphasising the responsibility of inspiring the next generation of hockey players, knowing that youngsters are looking up to them. Harmanpreet pledged to continue giving their best in every match and tournament to motivate and nurture the sport's future stars.
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey, who accompanied Harmanpreet during the visit to PTI headquarters, praised the consistency of the team's performance and the emergence of quality drag-flickers like Harmanpreet, Amit Rohidas, and Varun Kumar. Tirkey highlighted the team's ability to handle pressure and deliver during crucial matches.
(With inputs from PTI)
