'Every Point Will Matter', Says Hardik Singh Ahead Of FIH Pro League European Leg
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Hardik said that the side looks to leave it all out on the field at the upcoming engagements in their effort to clinch the top spot in the FIH Pro League.
India are gearing up for their FIH Pro League assignments in the European leg of the event, as the men in blue are slated to take on Netherland and Argentina, both double headers, at the Wagner Stadium in Amstelveen, before squaring up against Australia and Belgium at Antwerp.
India will take on the Dutch hosts on the 7th and 8th of June followed by Argentina on the 11th and 12th in Amstelveen, and will go on to take on Australia on the 14th and 15th and Belgium on the 21st and 22nd of July.
Indian player Hardik Singh said that the side looks to leave it all out on the field at the upcoming engagements in their effort to secure qualification to the World Cup next year in addition to clinching the top spot in the FIH Pro League.
'We have spoken about this within the squad and believe that if we stick to the plan, accumulate enough points, and push for wins –even securing points from draws and subsequent shootouts — we stand a great chance of qualifying for the World Cup through the Pro League," Hardik began.
Team India stand third in the standings ahead of the Euopean leg of the league, and Hardik opined that the upcoming fixtures across the seas would be crucial in catapulting to the qualification places.
'Belgium and the Netherlands qualify automatically as co-hosts of the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup in 2026. That leaves England, who are on top, along with Germany and Spain, as the key competitors vying for qualification," he added.
'Our matches against Argentina will also be crucial. This is a good challenge for us to have, and qualifying early would give us more time to prepare for the World Cup," Hardik added.
Hardik, emphasized on the intense training the team has gone through at their camp in Bengaluru, notably in terms of fitness and conditioning, in preparation for the overseas matchups.
'The sessions have been nothing short of rigorous," the 26-year-old said.
'We have really been put through the grind by the coach and Alan (Scientific Advisor). Our strength and conditioning have been on point, mainly because we want to be at our peak for back-to-back matches," the star added.
'We practically have no rest days between games, and even when we do, we'll be travelling from the Netherlands to Belgium," he enumerated.
Team India, who have amassed 15 points in the congoing campaign are placed behind England and Belgium, who have 16 points apiece, and Hardik reflected on the essence of the upcoming fixtures in the context of qualification.
'Every point in these six matches will matter. Another exciting aspect of this campaign is that the matches are being played at the same venues where the World Cup will be held next year.
'This gives us a better understanding of what to expect. We're treating this like a World Cup simulation, and that makes this outing even more important for our squad," Hardik signed off.
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