New Delhi, Oct 11 (NationPress) Hockey has always been an integral part of India's sporting heritage.

The Indian Men's Hockey Team captain, Harmanpreet Singh, is viewed as a contemporary icon in the sport. He draws motivation from historical events, particularly the remarkable 1948 London Olympics, where India triumphed over Great Britain with a stunning 4-0 victory in the final, clinching a gold medal just a year post-independence.

This event marked the inaugural occasion when the Indian flag was raised at the Olympics.

Reflecting on this monumental achievement, Harmanpreet Singh remarked, “The victory at the 1948 London Olympics was a pivotal moment for our country, especially as we triumphed over Great Britain on their home ground. We have heard tales from our predecessors about that extraordinary day, and personally, it serves as a profound source of inspiration for me as part of the Indian hockey community.”

Harmanpreet, who has represented the Indian Men's Hockey Team in back-to-back Bronze Medal victories at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, has had the honor of meeting the legendary Balbir Singh Sr, an essential figure in the 1948 Olympic team. Reflecting on those cherished moments, he stated, “Meeting the iconic Balbir Singh Sr was incredibly special, and hearing his anecdotes about the London Olympics was even more enriching. The firsthand experiences shared by him were truly unique. Listening to stories about the British crowd supporting the Indian Men's Hockey Team in London gave me chills. It’s hard to fathom the joy and pride the players must have felt during that tournament.”

During the 1948 London Olympics, India overcame Austria, Argentina, and Spain in the group rounds, followed by a victory against the Netherlands, ultimately winning the Gold Medal against Great Britain. For Harmanpreet and his teammates, the upcoming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles represents another opportunity to enhance the country’s medal collection. He expressed, “We’ve reached the podium twice and witnessed our flag being raised at the Olympic Games, but our aspiration is to surpass that. The Indian Men's Hockey Team is eager to hear the National Anthem at the Olympic Games, just like Kishan Lal and Balbir Singh Sr’s team did in London. We will leave no stone unturned in our preparations.”

“Hockey has a rich history in India, and we aspire to be the team that secures the ninth Gold medal. Achieving this would be incredibly special for us. I am confident that with the support of our seniors, we will excel on the field,” Harmanpreet Singh concluded.

Hockey India plans to share more nostalgic narratives from the legends of the past in the upcoming days, aiming to commemorate the historical contributions of these icons that have placed India firmly on the global sporting stage over the past century.