Latest news with #HardikSingh
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
Hockey India extends wishes to Hardik Singh for completing 150 international caps
Amsterdam [Netherlands], June 7 (ANI): Indian men's hockey team vice-captain Hardik Singh reached a significant personal milestone on Saturday, earning his 150th international cap during India's opening match of the European leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25 against the Netherlands. The 26-year-old midfielder from Jalandhar, Punjab, has been a pillar of consistency and dynamism in India's midfield since his debut at the 2018 Hero Asian Champions Trophy, where India and Pakistan were declared joint winners. Since then, Hardik has become one of the most dependable figures in Indian hockey, representing the nation in nearly every major international tournament. A key architect of India's recent resurgence on the world stage, Hardik played a crucial role in securing the historic Bronze medals at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics, as well as the Silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. He was also part of India's gold-medal winning campaigns at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, the 2023 Hero Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai, and the 2018 edition in Muscat, Oman. Hardik's stellar performances have earned him widespread recognition, including the Arjuna Award in 2021, the Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year (2022 & 2023), and the Ajit Pal Singh Award for Midfielder of the Year (2024). Speaking on the milestone, Hardik Singh said, as quoted from Hockey India press release, 'It's an emotional moment for me. I've always worn the India jersey with immense pride, and reaching 150 caps feels surreal. This journey has been full of learning, resilience, and unforgettable moments. I'm grateful to my coaches, teammates, and family who have been my biggest support system. I look forward to continuing to give my best for the country.' Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey congratulated Hardik and stated, 'Hardik has grown into one of the most reliable and intelligent midfielders in world hockey. His ability to control the tempo of the game and step up under pressure is what sets him apart. On behalf of Hockey India, I congratulate him on this well-deserved milestone and look forward to many more standout performances from him.' Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh added, 'Reaching 150 international matches at the age of 26 is a testament to Hardik's commitment, discipline, and fitness. He continues to be a great ambassador for Indian hockey and a role model for young players across the country. We are proud of his achievements and his contribution to Indian hockey's success story.' (ANI)
News18
6 days ago
- General
- News18
'Every Point Will Matter', Says Hardik Singh Ahead Of FIH Pro League European Leg
Last Updated: 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. First Published:
The Print
6 days ago
- Business
- The Print
India have great chance of qualifying for the World Cup through the Pro League, says Hardik Singh
The decisive European leg of the Pro League gets underway on June 7, with the tournament winners earning an automatic berth at the 2026 World Cup. The Indian men's team currently sits third on the points table with 15 points, trailing leaders England and second-placed Belgium, both on 16 points. New Delhi, May 26 (PTI) India will fight for every point in the European leg of the FIH Pro League to fulfil their twin goals of clinching the title and also securing qualification for next year's World Cup, said men's hockey team vice-captain Hardik Singh. '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 said in a Hockey India release. Currently, Australia, placed No.6 in the ongoing Pro League, have qualified for the World Cup as winners of the previous edition of the Pro League, while Belgium and the Netherlands qualify as hosts. Germany, currently placed fifth, still have six matches left and can potentially pose a threat to India's qualification plans. '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.' India will begin their European leg with back-to-back matches against the Netherlands on June 7 and 9, followed by a double-header against Argentina on June 11 and 12 at the Wagner Stadium in Amstelveen. The team will then travel to Antwerp to face Australia on June 14 and 15, before concluding their campaign against hosts Belgium on June 21 and 22. '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. The Indian team has been training for the European tour at the centralised training camp in SAI, Bengaluru over the past three weeks. 'The sessions have been nothing short of rigorous,' laughed Hardik, highlighting the hard yards the team has put in, particularly in terms of fitness and conditioning.' '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. 'We practically have no rest days between games, and even when we do, we'll be travelling from the Netherlands to Belgium,' he explained. Adding further significance to the tour is the fact that the Pro League matches will be played at the same venues that will host the World Cup in 2026. '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. PTI APA TAP This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
India Gazette
29-05-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Indian Men's Hockey Team leaves for European leg of FIH Pro League 2024-25
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], May 29 (ANI): The Indian Men's Hockey Team has departed from Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport, ahead of their European leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25, which is scheduled to take place in Amstelveen, the Netherlands and Antwerp, Belgium from June 7 to 22. India will kick off their European leg with back-to-back encounters against the Netherlands on 7th and 9th June, followed by a double-header against Argentina on 11th and 12th June, with all four matches set to take place at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen. The team will then head to Antwerp, Belgium, for their next challenge, where they will lock horns with Australia on 14th and 15th June before ending their campaign with two crucial matches against hosts Belgium on 21st and 22nd June. Before their departure, veteran dragflicker and captain Harmanpreet Singh stated, as quoted by Hockey India press release, 'This European leg is crucial for us as we face some of the world's best teams. We had a few mixed results in the Bhubaneswar Leg, but we are in a good position in the standings, and we will build on this. Our focus is on securing maximum points and qualifying for the next year's World Cup through this tournament.' Vice-captain Hardik Singh echoed a similar sentiment and said, 'We have had a very productive training camp over the last few weeks. I am confident that the boys will deliver in Europe. The atmosphere in the squad is very positive, and everyone is pushing each other to perform at their best. These matches will be a great opportunity to test ourselves against some of the best in the world.' India are currently third in the standings with fifteen points and will be eyeing to build on their position with a spot in the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 up for grabs. (ANI)
Hans India
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
Big chance to qualify for WC through Pro League: Hardik
New Delhi: Placed in a strong third position on the points table as they resume their campaign in the away leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024–25 (Men), India vice captain Hardik Singh emphasised the importance of finishing the prestigious tournament on top. '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,' said a confident Hardik. Putting things into perspective, he added, 'Belgium (currently ranked No.2) and the Netherlands (placed behind India at No.4) 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. 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.' As of now, Australia (placed No.6 in the ongoing Pro League) have qualified for the World Cup as winners of the previous edition of the FIH Hockey Pro League, while Belgium and the Netherlands qualify as hosts. Germany, currently placed fifth, still have six matches left and can potentially pose a threat to India's qualification plans. Meanwhile, the Indian team's focus and precision in preparation for their European campaign has been evident during the multiple red, orange, and green training sessions at the centralised training camp in SAI, Bengaluru over the past three weeks. 'The sessions have been nothing short of rigorous,' laughed Hardik, highlighting the hard yards the team has put in, particularly in terms of fitness and conditioning. '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. We practically have no rest days between games, and even when we do, we'll be travelling from the Netherlands to Belgium,' he explained. India will begin their European leg with back-to-back matches against the Netherlands on June 7 and 9, followed by a double-header against Argentina on June 11 and 12 at the Wagner Stadium in Amstelveen. The team will then travel to Antwerp to face Australia on June 14 and 15, before concluding their campaign against hosts Belgium June on 21 and 22. '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.
