'Harmanpreet stated he'll strive for victory to make it unforgettable for me,' says forward Arshdeep on his senior debut
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Synopsis
Arshdeep Singh, a promising 20-year-old forward, has made headlines with his senior debut in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25, showcasing his talent and aspirations while receiving praise from senior teammates like Harmanpreet Singh.
Key Takeaways
- Arshdeep Singh shines with six goals in the Junior Asia Cup.
- He was named Upcoming Player of the Tournament in HIL.
- Senior players provided valuable support on his debut.
- He expressed excitement over being nominated for a prestigious award.
- Arshdeep is preparing for the Junior World Cup in Bengaluru.
New Delhi, March 12 (NationPress) The 20-year-old forward Arshdeep Singh has recently gained attention for his impressive performances, which secured him a spot in the senior India team at the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25 (Men) in Bhubaneswar.
Arshdeep first made waves during the 2024 Men’s Junior Asia Cup in December of the previous year, where he netted six goals and showcased his skills with the hockey stick.
“This tournament was amazing for me, and I scored some fantastic goals. Particularly, winning against Pakistan in the final holds a special place in my heart. I initially thought I would get my chance to represent the seniors after the Junior World Cup later this year, but being called up to the senior squad so soon was unexpected,” he remarked.
While he shone during the Junior Asia Cup, Arshdeep's significant breakthrough came at the Hockey India League (HIL) earlier this year, where he was honored as the Upcoming Player of the Tournament. He was a key player for the Hyderabad Toofans team, scoring three goals to help propel his team to the finals.
Reflecting on his HIL experience, Arshdeep stated, “The environment in my team, Hyderabad Toofans, was incredibly positive, which allowed me to play with freedom and excel in the tournament.”
“I was with the team when I learned of my selection for the national squad. My first call was to my mom because it was genuinely a proud moment,” he shared.
Although it was a momentous day for Arshdeep when he was included in the lineup against Spain, he felt more excitement than anxiety, thanks to the guidance of the senior players who helped him manage pre-match nerves.
About his debut, Arshdeep commented, “My debut experience was fantastic. I played two matches and gained valuable insights, particularly regarding the structured play of top teams globally. Competing alongside seasoned players has significantly bolstered my confidence and inspired me to enhance my skills.”
“I was thrilled because I wanted to seize this opportunity. The senior players were immensely supportive. Sukhjeet encouraged me to play freely and not dwell on my mistakes, emphasizing that my reaction to errors is what truly matters.”
“Captain Harmanpreet Singh assured me that he would strive to win the match to make it special for me and urged me to give my best to score a debut goal,” he added.
The federation has recognized his talent and hard work, as he has been nominated for the Hockey India Jugraj Singh Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Men – Under 21).
Regarding the awards, he expressed, “I was not expecting to be nominated for such a prestigious award. I feel honored and thankful to Hockey India. Regardless of whether I win, this nomination has greatly motivated me to improve and work even harder on my game.”
Arshdeep is currently at the junior squad camp in Bengaluru, preparing for the Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup, which is scheduled for December.
