India will be a represented by a massive 524-member contingent across 36 disciplines at the upcoming Asian Games in Indonesia, starting 18 August. And among them will be 18 men from the Indian hockey team, looking to win their country’s fourth gold medal in the sport at the quadrennial event.
At the starting of this year, the Indian team under Sardar Singh finished a dismal fifth at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. Manpreet Singh then took over as captain for the Commonwealth Games, where India’s campaign once again ended on a disappointing note – the team came home from the Games without a medal, for the first time in 20 years. At the Champions Trophy however, PR Sreejesh-led India staged a comeback to win their second-straight silver medal.
Another big motivating factor for the Indian team to defend their gold at this year’s Asiad, would be direct qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Here’s a look at 5 players who are likely to play a key role in their campaign.
PR Sreejesh
The Indian team missed the services of senior goalkeeper PR Sreejesh for most part of last year due to an injury. But the captain made a strong comeback to the team for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, and then returned to captaincy by leading India to the Champions Trophy silver in July this year. Not just that, his brilliant saves during the tournament made sure India didn’t concede too many goals. He especially starred during the 1-1 draw with Belgium, saving a majority of the 11 penalty corners.
One of the best goalkeepers in the world, Sreejesh made his India debut way back in 2006, and has been a regular fixture in the team since 2011. In the run-up to the Asian Games, Sreejesh told The Quint, “All the Asian Games matches are really tough because points are really important to reach the semis and finals. The pressure is completely different because all the teams are there to qualify for the Olympics”.
Manpreet Singh
Leading India to a Asia Cup gold, and bronze in the Hockey World League Final last year, midfielder Manpreet Singh's on-field creativity and leadership skills have made him one of the mainstays in the team. Singh had first replaced an injured PR Sreejesh as captain for the Hockey World League Semi-final.
He may not be captain for the upcoming Asian Games, but the 26-year-old will be carrying India’s midfield, and will play a crucial role in creating opportunities for India to score. In addition he’ll have great support from his teammate of seven years Sardar Singh as well as the team’s vice-captain Chinglensana Singh Kangujam.
Harmanpreet Singh
Not only does he play a pivotal role in the defence, Harmanpreet Singh has become India’s top dragflicker in recent times. The 22-year-old was captain Manpreet Singh’s go-to man in the Commonwealth Games, scoring 6 goals including five PCs and one during the penalty shootout.
In the absence of senior penalty corner specialist Rupinder Pal Singh, Harman scored three goals at the Champions Trophy and converted two PCs during the 4 Nations Invitational Tournament earlier this year. Though he is one of the younger players in the team, Harman’s experience of having played major tournaments like Olympics, Champions Trophy, CWG and Asia Cup, will make him an important part of PR Srejeesh’s squad at the continental games this month.
Rupinder Pal Singh
A hamstring injury before the Hockey World League Semi-final had forced 27-year-old Rupinder out of action last year. However, after what he calls the toughest phase of his career, the senior dragflicker returned to the team for the HWL Finals. He went on to play the Four Nations Invitational Tournament in New Zealand, and was picked in the squad for the Gold Coast CWG – scoring just a goal each in both tournaments.
Subsequently, Rupinder was dropped from the team for the Champions Trophy. But an impressive show in India’s Test matches against NZ earned him a comeback to the team for the Asian Games. And an after an inconsistent year at the office so far, the defender would be looking to make a significant contribution at the quadrennial tournament.
SV Sunil
With over 200 International caps, forward SV Sunil brings incredible experience and speed to the Indian team’s forward line. Instrumental in India’s success at the 2017 Asia Cup, and the bronze-medal win at the season-closing HWL Final, Sunil will not only be expected to score field goals, but also create scoring chances for his teammates.
This year, he has been a part of the India team that played the Four Nations Tournament in New Zealand, and scored a goal during the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
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