HOCKEY | Focus is on building momentum ahead of a demanding international calendar: Harmanpreet

It is not often that Chennai gets to witness the current Indian men’s and women’s captains, and a former India women’s captain playing together for the same Hockey India League franchise.

That rare sight unfolded on Wednesday when Harmanpreet Singh, Salima Tete and Savita Punia featured in an exhibition match for Soorma HC to inaugurate a coaching camp for schoolchildren at the N.P.V. Ramaswamy Udayar Hockey Centre, located inside the Sri Ramachandra Hospital campus here.

The 29-year-old Harmanpreet, who leads both India and Soorma HC, said the focus was on building momentum ahead of a demanding international calendar. “We are looking forward to doing well in the FIH Pro League and the Asian Games next year.”

Harmanpreet added that his immediate priorities were a strong HIL campaign and ending India’s long wait for a World Cup medal.

“We finished third last season in the HIL and will try to do better this time. It has been 50 years since India last won a World Cup medal (gold in 1975). We are confident of doing well,” he asserted.

Salima admitted it had been a challenging phase for the country’s women’s team. “We are preparing for the World Cup Qualifiers in Hyderabad in March next year. We want to give our best and qualify,” she said.

Veteran India goalkeeper Savita said the Asian Games could be her last major international tournament. “I would like to thank JSW Sports for having trust in me when I was injured (ankle) and when I was not sure whether I will take part in the HIL,” she said.