"It’s about reviving the spirit of hockey in Delhi" - Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh on upcoming series against Germany
For Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh, the upcoming series against Germany is a step towards reigniting the spirit of hockey in Delhi, a city that has witnessed some of India's greatest hockey moments. The Indian men's hockey team will host Germany for a two-match bilateral series on October 23 and 24 at the iconic Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi.
Harmanpreet Singh emphasized the significance of playing in front of the home crowd at such a historic venue, which holds special memories for Indian hockey.
“This series is not just about the two teams playing; it’s about reviving the spirit of hockey in Delhi. We hope this will inspire more young players from the region to take up the game," he expressed in a statement released by Hockey India.
While the upcoming series against Germany is about reigniting the love for hockey in Delhi, it also comes as a stern test for the Indian team. India recently triumphed in the Asian Champions Trophy held in China, bagging the title.
Skipper Harmanpreet Singh stated that the German series will be key to the team's preparations for future international competitions. The Indian team has been working hard, and going up against a tough opponent like Germany will allow them to assess themselves, identify their strengths, and work on their weaknesses.
"Germany is one of the top teams in world hockey, and playing against them will be a great challenge for us. It's important for our preparation as we gear up for major tournaments ahead," he said.
"We are working hard, and this series will give us the opportunity to test ourselves against a very strong opponent," he added.
Harmanpreet Singh looking forward to playing in Delhi
This series marks the return of international hockey to the national capital after nearly a decade. The last international fixture at the venue was played during the 2014 Hero Hockey World League Final (men's round four).
Harmanpreet Singh shared his excitement about being able to play at home and captain the team.
"Playing in front of home fans in Delhi after so many years is truly special for us as a team. The Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium holds a lot of history and memories and to lead the team here will be a huge honor," he said.