India’s hockey team skipper Harmanpreet Singh dismisses fears that overseas players can pick his drag flick secrets at Hockey India League and then counter him at World Cup and Asian Games this year; says Indian players benefit by learning from foreigners too
Harmanpreet Singh during the HIL match between Soorma Hockey Club and Tamil Nadu Dragons on Tuesday. Pic/Hockey India
In a crucial World Cup (in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 14 to 30) and Asian Games (in Japan from September 19 to October 4) year, where teams and players will be closely guarding their strategies, Indian hockey’s most lethal weapon, skipper and star drag flicker Harmanpreet Singh is busy excelling in the Hockey India League.
Harmanpreet and his drag flicks have always been closely watched by opposition teams which is why his strike rate in international hockey is not as high as it used to be a few years ago, particularly against the top teams as they have planned their penalty corner defences to counter his flicks.
‘HIL is beneficial to all’
The HIL offers international players a closer view of Harmanpreet’s ability. So, will overseas players gain an upper hand after getting an insight into the magic behind his famous drag flicks at the ongoing HIL? Harmanpreet doesn’t think so. “It [picking crucial technical and tactical cues] goes both ways. Just like they are observing us and learning, we are doing the same,” Harmanpreet Singh, who is currently captaining the Soorma Hockey Club in the HIL, told mid-day on Sunday.
He added that international hockey is a totally different cup of tea and any insight gained tends to matter very little on the global stage. “The game’s tempo on the international stage is different. Playing styles are different too. So, it’s not like we are at a disadvantage when playing alongside overseas players in the HIL. In fact, it’s more of an advantage as you learn from their mindset and intensity,” explained the 30-year-old.
Poor start for Soorma HC
Currently, Harmanpreet’s focus is on getting Soorma Hockey Club’s campaign back on track after losing two of their three games so far — they won their most recent match against Hyderabad Toofans (3-1) via a penalty shootout. This leaves them in sixth place (two points) in the eight-team league.
Harmapreet, who has scored two goals for his club, believes his side is capable of turning things around and going the distance. “Even last season we didn’t start well, but finished third. So far, we’ve struggled mostly in the first two quarters of our matches, but the result against Hyderabad gives us confidence. Our focus is on sticking to our style of play, and we saw last season as well, during the knockout games our team rises to the occasion, and I am confident we can challenge for the title,” Harmanpreet signed off.
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