The Indian men’s hockey team will once again be up against Germany in their upcoming FIH Hockey Pro League 2021/22 matches to be played at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium here on March 12 and 13.
India won the bronze medal after a gap of more than four decades by defeating Germany at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games last year.
India’s FIH Pro League 2021/22 campaign hasn’t got off to a great start as they have won four matches and lost two, and the Manpreet Singh-led side will be looking to improve their execution skills when they take on Germany. Two-legged tie.
Midfielder Hardik Singh, who was part of the historic bronze medal feat in Tokyo, said the team would focus more on their game rather than their opponents.
“We are focusing more on ourselves rather than the opponents, and identifying what all things we need to improve on. Germany is a strong and experienced team. So the preparation remains the same as it is for other teams. We will give our 100 per cent with full energy, and look forward to executing our plans,” said 23-year-old Hardik.
On the personal front, the midfielder said that he was enjoying a dream run.
“It has been an incredible journey for me with the team. I made my debut in 2018 during the Asian Champions Trophy and since then I have become an integral part of this team. I was also a part of the 2018 World Cup. For me, my country It is really special for me to play at the highest level. So, yes, it has been really special,” Hardik said.
Forward Shamsher Singh said that while the team’s pace was good, conceding early goals in last week’s games against Spain was a problem. India registered a 5-4 win and 3-5 loss in their Pro League home leg against Spain.
“We had prepared well for the matches, we had good pace, we came back too, but I think we scored easy goals and we missed converting our chances. Tactically, I believe we did better than in the first match. The shots we took were good, but as I said, we should have grabbed the opportunity.”
He further added, “I don’t think we were lacking in terms of preparation, but I think we need to improve our execution skills. And, I am sure we will definitely learn from our mistakes and come forward. Will use the lessons in the matches.”
Shamsher spoke about how he has matured as a player over the years. “The support and trust of the players has helped me grow as a player,” he added.
“I learned a lot from my seniors during the lockdown period before the Olympics last year. We used to talk a lot about our game and team structure through which I could work on my basics. I’m still learning a lot of new things in camp, and I’m trying to stay consistent with my performance. I am really happy that seniors are also helping me in this.”
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