Nine years ago he first stepped into the spotlight — and hasn’t left it ever since. As a defender, drag-flicker and leader, from junior ranks to senior, Indian hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh has walked into every role assigned to him with quiet confidence and made it his own.
Still just 27, Harmanpreet has been an integral part of the Indian team ever since he announced his arrival as the top-scorer at the Under-21 Sultan of Johor Cup in 2014. His elevation to senior-team captaincy in early 2022 was merely the logical culmination of a process set in motion almost a decade ago.
As a player, he is both talisman and match-winner — the drag-flicker has been a reliable goal machine, the disappointing blip during the 2023 World Cup notwithstanding. As the vital last line of defence, he understands the importance of his role. Adept at stealing the ball cleanly thanks to his keen awareness of position and opposition, he hardly ever pushes or plays rough, rarely getting involved in physical tussles despite his immense strength.
