Indian Men’s Hockey Team Prepares for Paris Olympics
Captain Harmanpreet Singh and Vice-Captain Hardik Singh Share Insights
Paris [France], July 26: As the Indian men’s hockey team gears up for the Paris Olympics, Captain Harmanpreet Singh shared his thoughts on the atmosphere in the Games village and the team’s preparation for their opening match against New Zealand. He emphasized that New Zealand is a strong team and maintaining momentum is crucial.
Vice-captain Hardik Singh expressed the team’s mission to change the color of their medal and their confidence in outperforming other serious contenders. The team arrived in Europe over two weeks ago, participated in a 3-day mental conditioning camp in Switzerland, and played practice matches against Malaysia, Netherlands, Germany, and Great Britain.
Grouped with reigning Olympic Champions Belgium, Argentina, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand, India aims for a strong start. Harmanpreet highlighted the unique experience in Switzerland and the positive atmosphere in the Games Village, which boosts their motivation.
Recalling their 3-3 (4-5 loss on shootouts) match against New Zealand at the World Cup in Bhubaneswar, Harmanpreet stressed the importance of not getting complacent. Hardik added that the team is excited and ready to handle the pressures of the Olympics, aiming to prove their superiority on a good day.
India will face New Zealand at 2100 hrs IST on Saturday, July 27, in their first Pool B match.
Doubts Revealed
Paris Olympics -: The Paris Olympics is a big sports event where athletes from all over the world compete in different sports. It will be held in Paris, France.
Harmanpreet Singh -: Harmanpreet Singh is the captain of the Indian men’s hockey team. He leads the team and helps make important decisions during matches.
Hardik Singh -: Hardik Singh is the vice-captain of the Indian men’s hockey team. He assists the captain and helps lead the team.
mental conditioning camp -: A mental conditioning camp is a special training where athletes learn to stay focused, calm, and positive. It helps them perform better in competitions.
Switzerland -: Switzerland is a country in Europe known for its beautiful mountains and lakes. The Indian hockey team went there for their mental conditioning camp.
practice matches -: Practice matches are games played before the main competition. They help teams get ready and improve their skills.
New Zealand -: New Zealand is a country in the southern part of the world. The Indian hockey team will play their first match against New Zealand in the Paris Olympics.
momentum -: Momentum means keeping up the energy and performance. Harmanpreet Singh wants the team to keep playing well throughout the competition.
medal’s color -: Medal’s color refers to the type of medal won in sports: gold, silver, or bronze. Hardik Singh wants the team to win a different, hopefully better, medal this time.
July 27 at 2100 hrs IST -: This means the first match will be on July 27 at 9:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST). IST is the time zone used in India.
