How Have Hardik, Manpreet, and Harmanpreet Contributed to Rajinder Singh's Growth?

Bengaluru, May 9 (NationPress) Rajinder Singh made his senior debut in October last year during a two-match series against Germany, and now, just eight months later, he has emerged as a crucial component of the Indian men's hockey team. The midfielder is currently undergoing training at the Senior National Camp located at SAI Bengaluru in preparation for India's upcoming matches in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25 in Europe.

Reflecting on the current camp, Rajinder stated, “Our preparations are progressing exceptionally well. We are putting significant emphasis on our fitness. Some players are honing their fitness levels, while others are concentrating on stick-and-ball techniques, creating a balanced training routine. The previous camp before the Senior National Championships was exclusively fitness-focused, but we are now engaging in a variety of activities.”

This year, India played the home leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League in Bhubaneswar in February, where they secured fifteen points from five victories out of eight matches, currently placing them third in the points table. Their three defeats were against Spain, Germany, and England, teams they successfully overcame in the reverse fixtures.

Reflecting on the team's performance in the tournament thus far, Rajinder remarked, “There were several ups and downs in Bhubaneswar, but we gained invaluable insights from those experiences. We continue to conduct video reviews of those matches as we gear up for the next segment. The teams we will be facing are formidable, so we must deliver our best performance. Our goal is to qualify for the 2026 World Cup through the Pro League.”

“During the Bhubaneswar leg, we recognized that while we were making circle entries, we struggled to convert our opportunities. Currently, we are placing significant emphasis on our performance inside the circle to guarantee we score field goals. Our aim is to avoid relying excessively on penalty corners,” he elaborated, discussing the current strategic focus of the Indian team.

At just 22 years old, Rajinder has quickly established himself as a core member of the team and a significant presence in the midfield. Originating from Haryana, he progressed through the ranks of the junior team, clinching the Sultan of Johor Cup in 2022 and the Junior Asia Cup in 2023. Sharing his experiences with the senior squad, he stated, “I have gained immense knowledge during my time with the senior players. They offer excellent guidance to us younger members, and whenever we err, they help us remain composed and focused on our game.”

Rajinder acknowledged senior players Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, and captain Harmanpreet Singh for his swift development over the past few months.

“Hardik paji and Manpreet paji are my midfield partners, so they provide significant guidance. After every mistake, Hardik paji advises me on what to do next. Even Harman paji frequently calls out to me from behind to assist with my positioning,” he added.

Rajinder has displayed impressive form this year, making a crucial impact for the Hyderabad Toofans in the Hero Hockey India League 2024/25 season, aiding the franchise in reaching the runners-up position. He has continued to build on this momentum, excelling during the initial matches of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25, participating in seven of India's eight games.

The European leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League for India is set for June, where they will face tough competitors including the Netherlands, Argentina, Australia, and Belgium.

When queried about his personal objectives for the upcoming tournament, Rajinder responded, “The teams we are about to encounter play a highly aggressive and attacking style of hockey. I aim to concentrate on my defensive skills, ensuring no player can bypass me or penetrate my defense. They engage in a very physical game, so I will make certain to play shoulder-to-shoulder with them.”