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M a npreet Singh, the former India hockey captain, who was a part of the bronze medal winning squad at the Paris Olympics 2024, spoke about the performances of the Men in Blue along with his future in hockey. The 32-year-old hopes to play for India in the men’s hockey at the LA Olympics 2028 if he remains fit for it.
In the men’s hockey bronze medal match at the Paris Olympics 2024, India defeated Spain 2-1 after being a goal behind in the first half at the Stade Yves-du-Manoir. The captain Harmanpreet Singh scored two penalty corner goals either side of half-time, to secure the second straight bronze medal for the Men in Blue at the Olympics in men’s hockey.
During his interview with PTI after arriving in India, Manpreet Singh was happy about bringing a medal back home and said, “(I am) feeling really good. The last time we won the bronze and we won bronze this time as well. The mindset of the team was to play in the final but that slipped out of our grasp, but we won the bronze and feel really good receiving all this love.”
In regard to his participation at the LA Olympics 2028, Manpreet Singh said, “That (LA Olympics) is far away from us now. I will concentrate on my fitness. If everything goes well, I will continue till 2028. If not, let us see.”
When Manpreet Singh was asked about his teammate and Indian goal-keeper PR Sreejesh’s retirement from international hockey, he replied, “What can I say about him! I have spent 13 years with him. He was my senior and he guided me; from 2012 to 2023 he guided me. Even when I was captain, he supported me as to what we have to do and what not to do, what is good and what is not.”
"He (PR Sreejesh) would always motivate me. As a person he is great and as a player he is a legend. He has done well in life and in his career. I will miss him because he is like a big brother to me,” he added.
