Indian hockey’s new poster boy: Mandeep Singh

Indian hockey’s latest sensation Mandeep Singh

In the recently concluded Hero Hockey World League India finished a disappointing sixth, reinforcing the fact that it still needs to cover a lot of ground in international hockey. Nevertheless, India can take heart from their performance, especially against the World No. 1 Germany whom they defeated after a long hiatus of nine years in the 5-8th place playoff .

The protagonist of the match was none other than the new kid in the block – Mandeep Singh. India rode on his hat-trick and delivered the result. In every sport, whenever a young prodigy player emerges on the international scene it always catches everyone’s attention, and Mandeep is the newest case for hockey.

An 18-year-old fragile and baby-faced appearance, Mandeep Singh has none of the typical looks of a striker. But outer impressions can be deceptive and in his case, they are decidedly so. His poaching skills upfront have left everyone awestruck. Such has been his rise to prominence that his repute has outgrown his stubble.

As a kid, the Punjab prodigy had two choices – cricket and hockey. He chose the latter, and that has made a world of difference.

It was last year’s edition of the Hero Hockey India League where the boy had his breakthrough season with Ranchi Rhinos (Ranchi-based HHIL franchise). His 10 goals along with his artistry on the field now makes us understand why Ranchi Rhinos cut loose their purse and bought him at a high price. At the tender age of 18, playing among the best in the world and dinking 10 field goals from open play tells more than enough about what kind of talent we have before us. Mandeep’s participation in this year’s HHIL has been cut short by a hamstring injury, but everyone knows now that he’s a prized possession to have in your team.

As a player, Mandeep’s pace, vision and calmness with the ball are excellent. Most defenders easily fall prey to his dribbling and dodging skills. A true opportunist, he knows how to position himself and be at the right place at the right moment. He has got the nose and eyes for the goal.

To better appreciate the lad’s talent just take a look at his coup de grace goal against UP wizards in the semi-finals of the first edition of HHIL. Such has been the strength of his performance in recent times that Dutch hockey great Floris Evers considers him to be a future World Player of the Year.

India, a producer of rare hockey breeds like Dhyan Chand, Leslie Claudius and the like, has never been devoid of talented players. Indian hockey is in dire need of such heroes who could beguile the world with their stick magic, and Mandeep Singh is the latest addition to that list.

Having said that, it is still a long journey for the lad to tread before he could join Indian hockey folklore. Can the boy sustain his performance at a consistent level? Can he turn into a pedigree striker? Does he have it in him to turn the tag of ‘promising player’ into that of a complete player? Only time will tell. Till then, let’s nurture, polish and preserve the jewel in our midst and enjoy what the youngster has got to offer.