NEW DELHI: Indian men's hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh believes that the addition of renowned goalkeeping coach Dennis van de Pol will be a significant boost for the team as they prepare for their upcoming challenges.
The Dutch expert has been enlisted to conduct two exclusive training camps for the Indian team's goalkeepers.
The first camp is scheduled to take place from July 13 to 19, while the second camp will be held from September 7 to 14, just before the Hangzhou Asian Games.
With the invaluable expertise and guidance of Van de Pol, the Indian team aims to strengthen their goalkeeping department and enhance their overall performance in the forthcoming competitions.
"We have a talented and dedicated group of players who are ready to give their all and make our country proud. The upcoming challenges will only strengthen our resolve, and we are excited to embrace them head on.
"It's good for us that experienced goalkeeping coach Dennis van de Pol is going to hold the training camp for the team's goalkeepers as his valuable insights and coaching skills will definitely strengthen our team," Harmanpreet said in a Hockey India release on Monday.
Harmanpreet Singh, the leading scorer of the recently-concluded 2022-23 FIH Hockey Pro League, attributed his individual success to the collective effort of the entire team. With an impressive tally of 18 goals, Harmanpreet claimed the top scorer title for the second consecutive edition.
Although the Indian team finished fourth overall, their goal-scoring prowess was unrivaled throughout the tournament, netting an impressive 51 goals in 16 games.
Highlighting the significance of teamwork, Harmanpreet emphasised that penalty-corner conversion success is not solely his accomplishment but the result of the relentless dedication and hard work exhibited by the entire team.
"From the pushers to the stoppers and the flickers, each player plays a crucial role in creating the opportunity and executing the penalty corner flawlessly."
"This accomplishment is the result of the collective efforts of our team, the unwavering support of our fans, and the guidance of our coaching staff."
Meanwhile, Harmanpreet also talked about the team's preparations for the 100th Anniversary Spanish Hockey Federation -- International Tournament in Terrasa, Spain from July 25-30.
India will be up against England, Netherlands, and hosts Spain in the four-nation tournament which will also act as the preparatory event for the Indian team ahead of the Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai.
"We have had a fantastic week of training, focusing on sharpening our skills and building our team cohesion.
"As we prepare to depart for Spain and participate in the upcoming four-nation tournament, which serves as a crucial preparatory event for the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai, we are confident and eager to showcase our best performance," Harmanpreet said.
(With PTI inputs)
