As India inch closer to the start of their FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 campaign, which begins on 15 February as they take on Spain in Bhubaneswar, we are excited to bring you an exclusive pre-season interview with captain Harmanpreet Singh.
What are your thoughts on the upcoming season of FIH Hockey Pro League?
The Pro League campaign begins with home games in Bhubaneswar from 15 February and we are excited about the matches returning to the hockey hub of India. In consecutive Pro League seasons, we have managed to finish in the top three and that will be our focus this time as well.
The Indian Team will be playing Pro League soon after the Hockey India League. Do you think there could be some fresh talent from HIL who could be inducted into the national team?
Yes, there is a lot of excitement with Hockey India League where India’s bench strength and the upcoming junior players will be rubbing shoulders with the best in the world. I believe it’s a great platform for players to shine and make their way into the national core group. Pro League has traditionally been a tournament where young talent is introduced in the national squad. Players like Abhishek and Sukhjeet got their break in the Pro League so yes, you can expect new talent emerging for India this season as well.
Your own performance in the Pro League has been outstanding, you continue to be the leading goal scorer in the history of the tournament. How are you preparing to keep this record intact?
This kind of performance has been possible because of the efforts of my team. It’s the forwards who set up PC opportunities and they have been outstanding. If I need to keep the record in my name intact, then we will once again need to work as a team and create those opportunities. I am confident we will do well. It will be the first big global event we will be playing after the Paris Olympic success and we look forward to the challenge.
For more details about India’s fixtures and squad for the upcoming FIH Hockey Pro League matches in Bhubaneswar, click here.
