BENGALURU: “Paaji, next time humein flag right se centre mein leke aana hai,” was Hardik Singh’s emotional appeal to his then skipper Manpreet Singh as the Indian flag went up in Tokyo during the medal ceremony in 2021. He meant they had to convert the bronze medal to gold in Paris. Manpreet has gone from skipper to a senior statesman as India will take the field under the leadership of Harmanpreet Singh.
But Hardik’s words still echo in the midfield stalwart’s ears. That, along with his soon-to-be three-year-old daughter Jasmine Kaur, fuelled the 32-year-old’s desire to give the Olympics one last shot.
Manpreet along with star custodian PR Sreejesh will make his fourth Olympics appearance. From the low of finishing last at the London Games in 2012, to leading India to the podium in Tokyo, the Jalandhar-born seasoned campaigner has seen it all. Although the captain’s armband has switched hands, Manpreet reiterates, “that hasn’t changed the commitment or responsibilities I shoulder”.
Speaking to TOI about the senior team’s journey that began in 2011, Manpreet said, “It has been a rollercoaster ride. My first Olympics in London was a nightmare. After that we progressed to winning, making the quarterfinals and eventually the podium finish in Tokyo.”
Manpreet has realistic targets, and the 2028 Los Angeles Games are not really on the radar.
“This is probably my last Olympics. I want to give my best as I don’t want to leave with any regrets,” he remarked. In Paris, Manpreet, a blend of speed and skill, will play a key role as a playmaker. Superior game awareness, effective communication and the ability to switch roles in quick time are Manpreet’s qualities which will hold India in good stead.
Also, under coach Criag Fulton, Manpreet has evolved. His ability to effect accurate passes is being put to good use and he has also been stepping back to allow youngsters Vivek Sagar and Hardik Singh to move deeper into the opposition’s half. “This is almost the same team that has been playing together since the Asian Games. The youngsters have got enough game-time to blend in. We have been able to understand each other well,” said Manpreet.
Off the field, Manpreet is among the seniors in the team preparing the five debutants for the sporting extravaganza.
“Some of us have been sharing our experiences and the challenges from the previous Olympics. At the Games Village, there are thousands of athletes, meeting some of them is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but the message to the youngsters is clear. ‘Mele mein khona nahi hai (don’t get lost in the carnival). This is the most important 15 days of our life.”
Among those in the stands in Paris will be Manpreet’s wife Illi Saddique and Jasmine. The veteran wants to pull all stops to ensure his daughter remembers him as a hero on the field.
“The medal in Tokyo was the beginning of a bigger dream and we have all worked towards it. My daughter will be at the Olympics. I want her to cheer for the country and watch us win a medal. I want her to be proud of me. I sacrificed a lot to be here and serve my country. I want to make that count and leave behind a lasting legacy,” Manpreet said.
But Hardik’s words still echo in the midfield stalwart’s ears. That, along with his soon-to-be three-year-old daughter Jasmine Kaur, fuelled the 32-year-old’s desire to give the Olympics one last shot.
Manpreet along with star custodian PR Sreejesh will make his fourth Olympics appearance. From the low of finishing last at the London Games in 2012, to leading India to the podium in Tokyo, the Jalandhar-born seasoned campaigner has seen it all. Although the captain’s armband has switched hands, Manpreet reiterates, “that hasn’t changed the commitment or responsibilities I shoulder”.
Speaking to TOI about the senior team’s journey that began in 2011, Manpreet said, “It has been a rollercoaster ride. My first Olympics in London was a nightmare. After that we progressed to winning, making the quarterfinals and eventually the podium finish in Tokyo.”
Manpreet has realistic targets, and the 2028 Los Angeles Games are not really on the radar.
“This is probably my last Olympics. I want to give my best as I don’t want to leave with any regrets,” he remarked. In Paris, Manpreet, a blend of speed and skill, will play a key role as a playmaker. Superior game awareness, effective communication and the ability to switch roles in quick time are Manpreet’s qualities which will hold India in good stead.
Also, under coach Criag Fulton, Manpreet has evolved. His ability to effect accurate passes is being put to good use and he has also been stepping back to allow youngsters Vivek Sagar and Hardik Singh to move deeper into the opposition’s half. “This is almost the same team that has been playing together since the Asian Games. The youngsters have got enough game-time to blend in. We have been able to understand each other well,” said Manpreet.
Off the field, Manpreet is among the seniors in the team preparing the five debutants for the sporting extravaganza.
“Some of us have been sharing our experiences and the challenges from the previous Olympics. At the Games Village, there are thousands of athletes, meeting some of them is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but the message to the youngsters is clear. ‘Mele mein khona nahi hai (don’t get lost in the carnival). This is the most important 15 days of our life.”
Among those in the stands in Paris will be Manpreet’s wife Illi Saddique and Jasmine. The veteran wants to pull all stops to ensure his daughter remembers him as a hero on the field.
“The medal in Tokyo was the beginning of a bigger dream and we have all worked towards it. My daughter will be at the Olympics. I want her to cheer for the country and watch us win a medal. I want her to be proud of me. I sacrificed a lot to be here and serve my country. I want to make that count and leave behind a lasting legacy,” Manpreet said.
