"The unity of our team continues to grow"- Indian hockey team captain oozes confidence ahead of 2024 Paris Olympics
Only 100 days are left for the Indian hockey team to begin their campaign at the highly awaited Paris Olympics 2024. The top 12 nations will compete against each other at the quadrennial event and have set their sights on clinching the gold medal.
The 12 teams are divided into two groups of six teams each. India are in Group B alongside World No. 2 Belgium, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, and Ireland.
The No. 1-ranked side Netherlands are placed in Group A alongside Germany, Great Britain, Spain, South Africa, and France.
The top four teams from both groups will progress to the quarterfinals of the Paris Olympics 2024. India will kick start their campaign against New Zealand on July 27, followed by clashes against Argentina, Ireland, and Belgium on July 29, 30, and August 1, respectively.
Harmanpreet Singh and company will play their final group-stage encounter against Australia on August 2.
Ahead of the Paris Olympics 2024, Indian hockey team captain Harmanpreet expressed confidence in his players and shared insights on the team’s hunger to bag no less the gold medal at the event.
“We just returned from the intense Australia tour, after a short break we will hit the grind again. With only 100 days to go until the Paris Olympics, the excitement in the team is growing. The unity of our team continues to grow, fuelled by our shared goal to clinch the Gold medal. Craig Fulton, our Chief Coach, keeps us on track with the Olympics countdown in our weekly schedule," Harmanpreet was quoted as saying to Hockey India.
"Every day counts, every practice, every drill—it's all building towards that moment on the Olympic stage. All in all, we're hungry, we're focused, and we're ready to shine,” he added.
“We will give our best on each of the 100 remaining days”- Hardik Singh on Paris Olympics 2024
The Indian team recently suffered a 5-0 loss in the five-Test series against the mighty Australia. Indian vice-captain Hardik Singh, however, wasn’t too perturbed about the result and saw it as an opportunity for the team to learn from the mistakes.
Hardik promised to give their best effort with just 100 days remaining for their Paris Olympics 2024 campaign.
“The Australia test highlighted the areas that we need to improve and upon our return to camp we aim to make sure that we iron out any remaining issues well in time for the Paris 2024 Olympics. We will give our best on each of the 100 remaining days to make sure that our pursuit for the Gold medal at the Olympics is successful,” Hardik Singh said.