Manpreet Singh is a utility player for the Indian hockey team – put him in defence or midfield or even up front and he won’t disappoint you. The Punjab youngster, who lost his father during the start of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, later rejoined the side and even scored on his comeback game against arch-rivals Pakistan.
Here Manpreet talks about his father’s demise and his game in an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda.
Excerpts:
Q) How are you coping with the loss of your father?
It hasn’t been easy for sure but I’m trying to stay strong and train hard in the ongoing national camp in Bengaluru. We always have to look ahead but my father’s demise will leave a big void in my life.
Q) You were supposed to play in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup opener against Japan – the day your father expired?
I got to know from my coaches and then from my friend that my father was not well and was admitted to a hospital. I called up my mom and asked her not to hide anything from him but she insisted my dad was hospitalised. I called up mom again and this time, she told me that my father is no more. My coaches arranged for me to return home.
Also Read: How Hockey Australia paid tribute to Manpreet Singh's father
Q) What made you rejoin the side for the game against Pakistan, where you even scored a goal?
My mom told me that my father will never return – its massive loss but she said the team needs your services in Malaysia and that I must return – she told me to stay strong and that’s why I returned to Malaysia for the remainder of the tournament.
Q) How do you assess the team’s performance at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup?
I think we performed well as a unit despite the fact that we were without many of our regular players. Losing to Australia in the final was a disappointment but overall our team did quite well.
Q) You are considered such an utility player – one who can inject short corner, take drag-flicks occasionally besides controlling the midfield and playing in defence. How do you handle the weight expectations of everyone?
I always tell myself that I have to give hundred percent in every game and that’s what I’m doing in every match.
Q) India fielded three youngsters – Harjeet, Surender and Harmanpreet – what do you make of their international debuts?
They are promising youngsters and can do well for the country in future.
Q) You do the injection job for penalty corners a lot of times – how much work is needed to master it?
Injecting the right way is important as it is not easy for teams to earn a penalty corner. If an injector gets it wrong, the whole set-piece gets messed up. It needs a lot of practice and I try to keep working at it during practice sessions.
Q) Do you agree that India is only side to have luxury of so many drag-flickers – even you take them at times?
I’m not a drag-flicker – I scored against France during the world league because the team needed it. I agree with you that we are the only side to have so many quality drag-flickers.
Q) The Rio Olympics is just four months away – what’s your take?
I can only tell you that we are giving our best shot in Rio and keep working hard in the Bengaluru camp. We will play in the Champions Trophy in June before the Olympics – that will be an opportunity to fine-tune our preparations for the Olympics. Keeping our fingers crossed.
