Angad Bir Singh Reflects on His Dream Debut for India

New Delhi, March 6 (NationPress) Angad Bir Singh emerged as a sensation after netting a remarkable 'double jalebi' goal during a shootout for the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers against one of the world's top goalkeepers, David Harte, who played for the Tamil Nadu Dragons in the recently held Hockey India League.

His stunning performance led to his selection for the India leg of the FIH Pro League 2024/25, where he made his senior men's team debut against Ireland in Bhubaneswar.

This achievement follows a string of outstanding performances with the junior national team, including gold medals at the 2022 Sultan of Johor Cup, bronze at the 2023 Sultan of Johor Cup, and another gold at the Junior Asia Cup 2023.

Reflecting on his debut against Ireland, Angad, who plays as a forward, expressed his exhilaration leading up to the game. “I was absolutely thrilled before the match. It felt like the culmination of everything I had worked for.”

He also remembered the pre-match announcement by head coach Craig Fulton, which elevated his anticipation. The 22-year-old shared, “When the coach announced my debut in front of the team, it felt like something special was about to happen. That moment filled me with excitement.”

Despite some initial jitters, Angad quickly found his rhythm. “For the first minute or so, I was a bit cautious, trying not to make any mistakes,” he admitted. “But then I told myself, ‘This is just another game. Play your game, be confident.’ And after that, I was fully in the flow.”

The young forward expressed profound gratitude for the encouragement he received from senior players like Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, and Sanjay. “The senior players were incredible. They told me not to worry, to play without pressure,” he stated. “Manpreet and Hardik, especially, were always by my side during the match, encouraging me. Sanjay and I have developed a good understanding, and he really helped me stay grounded.”

Angad also praised Fulton's guidance, noting how his calm and supportive nature made his transition to the senior team smoother. “Before the match, Fulton told me, ‘Just play your game and enjoy this moment. Don’t worry about mistakes, I’ve got your back.’ That really stuck with me and allowed me to play with freedom.”

When discussing the differences between junior and senior hockey, Angad acknowledged the increased tactical complexity at the senior level. “There’s a huge difference. At the junior level, it’s more about the basics. But in senior hockey, everything is tactical. The game is faster and much more strategic, so I’m constantly learning and adapting.”

He reflected on the lessons learned from his debut and shared his future aspirations. “I’ve realised that mental preparation is just as important as physical preparation. For my next match, I’ll be more focused mentally from the start. My goal is to keep learning, building connections with my teammates, and improving with every game.”

Looking ahead, Angad is determined to achieve the highest honor in world hockey. “The ultimate dream is to win gold at the Olympics. Watching our team win bronze medals in Tokyo and Paris was incredible, but now I want to be part of the squad that goes all the way and brings home a gold medal.”

Angad’s debut was not only a moment of pride for him but also for his family. He reminisced about his father’s reaction, saying, “It was a dream come true for my father to see me play in the Indian team. My entire family and relatives gathered to watch my debut match together, and their pride and joy made the moment even more special for me.”