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Biggest test awaits Harmanpreet

'We'll be ready to tackle any challenge'
Last Updated 01 December 2016, 09:45 IST

Harmanpreet Singh has enjoyed a bright 2016. Banking on his fine show on the junior circuit, he broke into the senior national team at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, featured in the Champions Trophy and then even made it to the Rio Olympics.

But now the 18-year-old, who has been nominated for the FIH Rising Star of the Year award, is back with the junior team for their biggest test at the FIH Junior World Cup. And the Jalandhar player knows what awaits them in Lucknow. "Now the biggest test awaits. We've been waiting and preparing for this for the past three years," he said.

"We have only a few days left and we are working very hard. The tour of Spain was very helpful. We made a few mistakes there and we are working on those weak points. At the same time, looking to improve on our plus points too," he added.

Described as one of the calmest players in the team by Roelant Oltmans, the man who gave him his senior team debut, the young drag flicker is expected to be key figure in the Indian defence at the World Cup which gets underway on December 8. And though he is quick to duck talks of being the senior in this junior set up, Harmanpreet knows it will be easier said than done.

"It's not like I am a senior and he is a junior. I have some experience now, but that doesn't mean I've changed. I still continue with my normal game," he stated.

Despite being the mainstay in the defence, Harmanpreet also contributes on the scoring front with his fierce drag flicks. He, along with Varun Kumar, will be expected to produce a good chunk of the Indian goals at the World Cup. But that doesn't seem to bother Harmanpreet.

"I would not say it adds pressure. But it's one of our plus points. If field goals are hard to come by, we try for the short corners. The earlier we get the goal, the better we play as a team. If not, we have to try harder and sometimes it may lead to mistakes," said the graduate from the renowned Surjeet Singh Academy. Having played at the Olympics, Harmanpreet has seen the level of hockey that the Europeans and the Australians can bring to the World Cup. And he insists the Indian team will be ready for the challenge in Lucknow.

"Olympics was a learning experience for me. I learnt a lot from both my seniors and the opponents. I am sure that the World Cup won't be any different. They (other teams) will bring their best, but I am sure we'll be ready to tackle any challenge thrown at us."

DH

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(Published 01 December 2016, 09:45 IST)

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