Hockey

Working For Paris Olympics In Best Shape Possible: Indian Hockey Skipper Harmanpreet Singh

Last month, India, the Tokyo Olympics bronze medallists, lost all their matches to the Kookaburras🥂, raising doubts about their preparations for the Paris Games later this year

Photo - Hockey India
India men's national hockey team skipper Harmanpreet Singh. Photo - Hockey India
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The Indian men's hockey team has identified areas that "needed attention" following its whitewash by Australia in the five-Test series and is ready for the tough European leg of the Pro League, said skipper Harmanpreet Singh on Sunday. (More Hockey News)

Last month, India, the Tokyo Olympics bronze medallists, lost all their matches to the Kookaburras, raising doubts about their preparations for the Paris Games later this year.

But drag-flicker Harmanpreet said the squad has done a lot of high-intensity trai🌼ning and the 🥀confidence in the side continues to grow.

"We are in the last stages of an intense training block right now. The team has worked on the areas we felt needed attention after the tour of Australia," said Harmanpreet in a Hockey India release.

"Soon, we will head to Europe to play some essential matches in the Pro Lea🍷gue 2023/24 to test ourselves against some tough opponents like Argentina, Belgium, Germany, and G🐷reat Britain.

"The chemistry in the squad continues toജ grow and with only 75 days left for the Paris Olympics we are working to be in the best shape possible," he added.

India will begin their Olympic campaign against New Zealand on July 27. The other teams in Pool 🌞B are Belgium, Australia, Argentina, and Ireland.

Pool A comprises the Netherlands, Germany, Great Br♈itain, Spain, South Africa, and hosts France.

India vice-captain Hardik Singh said the experience of stalwarts like goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and former captain Ma🐻npreet Singh has come in handy while preparing youngsters for the Summeꦆr Games.

"The♚ team is leaving no stone unturned in our endeavour to change the colour of our previous medal and clinch gold at the Olympics this time. We have players like PR Sreejesh and Manpreet Singh who could be playing their fourth Olympics along with quite a few players who could be playing their third Olympics, including our captain.

"Their experience has been instrumental in moulding some o✅f the younger players we have in the squad right now. Onl♋y 75 days remain for the Paris Olympics and we cannot wait to begin our Olympic journey," added Hardik.