For Indian hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics was about much more than standing on the podium. It ended India’s 41-year wait for an Olympic hockey medal and brought a new generation of fans closer to the sport. But behind that historic moment was a journey of constantly learning and evolving, from starting out as a forward to becoming a defender and one of the most recognised drag-flickers in world hockey.
In a recent episode of the iQOO Quest Talk podcast with Nipun Marya, Harmanpreet reflected on his early days with the sport. “The first day I held a hockey stick, every other sport felt easier in comparison. Hockey is a difficult game, and even today I feel I am still learning how to play it better,” he shared.
Interestingly, Harmanpreet did not begin his career as a defender. “I started as a forward. Later, my seniors at the academy felt that because I had a strong body, I could be good as a defender,” he recalled. That early experience as a forward continues to influence his game today. “I still have some of those forward skills, and they help me even now,” he added.
Speaking about his years playing alongside legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, Harmanpreet recalled the special understanding between a defender and the man guarding the goal behind him. “There are too many memories with Sreejesh. We had a very good bond and enjoyed a lot together. I even taught him Punjabi,” he shared.
One of the biggest moments of that journey came at the Tokyo Olympics, when India won bronze and ended a 41-year wait for an Olympic hockey medal. “When we won bronze at the Olympics, it felt like we had finally changed people’s perception of hockey. The love they showered on us has stayed with me ever since.” Harmanpreet recalled. “When small kids started coming to me and saying, ‘I also want to play hockey,’ that’s when we felt that yes, we had achieved something.”
Away from the field, Harmanpreet also spoke about another change in his life, becoming a father. “Since my daughter was born, I have changed a lot. I am less aggressive, less angry and much calmer. I feel happier,” he shared.
Looking at the future of Indian hockey, Harmanpreet believes the sport is also changing at the grassroots. He highlighted the work being done by Hockey India and Khelo India to create more opportunities for young players and strengthen the pathway into professional hockey.
