Manpreet, who will be participating in his fourth Olympic Games, expressed his excitement and pride by saying, "Playing in my fourth Olympic Games is a dream come true and a milestone that fills me with immense pride. It is a testament to years of hard work, dedication and and the unwavering support of my family, coaches and teammates. Following in the footsteps of a legend like Dhanraj Pillay, who has been an inspiration to countless players, including me, is an honor beyond words."
"I am excited to give my all for India in Paris, representing not only the team but also the hopes and dreams of millions of fans back home. Our team is ready to show the world the spirit and strength of Indian hockey. We have rigorously prepared, and we are determined to give our best, honoring our country and making our compatriots proud," he added.
Manpreet made his debut for the senior team in 2011. Since then, the dynamic midfielder has racked up an impressive 370 caps and scored 27 goals, demonstrating his skill and consistency on the field. His career with the national team includes participation in three previous Olympic Games: the 2012 London Olympics, the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he led the team to a historic bronze medal under his captaincy for mark India's first Olympic hockey medal. in 41 years.
Further, speaking about the team's mindset and expectations for the Paris Olympics and whether there will be any pressure to match the performance of the Tokyo Olympics, Manpreet said, "There is no pressure on us; instead, we are looking forward to enjoying our performance in each match. We should not underestimate any team, regardless of their classification. Each team will bring the best to the field, and so will we.
"Our goal is to fulfill our responsibilities and support each other as a cohesive unit. We believe that by concentrating on our game and maintaining composure, we can achieve great results. It is about playing with passion and determination, without letting pressure hinder our performance."
Notably, the Indian men's hockey team left on Monday for Mike Horn's base in Switzerland, where he will undergo a three-day training period designed to instil mental toughness. After this, the Harmanpreet Singh-led team will move to the Netherlands for a series of practice matches before arriving in Paris on July 20.
India is placed in Group B for the Paris 2024 Olympics, along with defending champions Belgium, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand and Ireland.
To advance to the quarterfinals, the team must secure a top-four finish in its group. Group A includes the Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain, Spain, South Africa and host nation France, setting the stage for a highly competitive 12-team men's hockey tournament.
"I am excited to give my all for India in Paris, representing not only the team but also the hopes and dreams of millions of fans back home. Our team is ready to show the world the spirit and strength of Indian hockey. We have rigorously prepared, and we are determined to give our best, honoring our country and making our compatriots proud," he added.
Manpreet made his debut for the senior team in 2011. Since then, the dynamic midfielder has racked up an impressive 370 caps and scored 27 goals, demonstrating his skill and consistency on the field. His career with the national team includes participation in three previous Olympic Games: the 2012 London Olympics, the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he led the team to a historic bronze medal under his captaincy for mark India's first Olympic hockey medal. in 41 years.
Further, speaking about the team's mindset and expectations for the Paris Olympics and whether there will be any pressure to match the performance of the Tokyo Olympics, Manpreet said, "There is no pressure on us; instead, we are looking forward to enjoying our performance in each match. We should not underestimate any team, regardless of their classification. Each team will bring the best to the field, and so will we.
"Our goal is to fulfill our responsibilities and support each other as a cohesive unit. We believe that by concentrating on our game and maintaining composure, we can achieve great results. It is about playing with passion and determination, without letting pressure hinder our performance."
Notably, the Indian men's hockey team left on Monday for Mike Horn's base in Switzerland, where he will undergo a three-day training period designed to instil mental toughness. After this, the Harmanpreet Singh-led team will move to the Netherlands for a series of practice matches before arriving in Paris on July 20.
India is placed in Group B for the Paris 2024 Olympics, along with defending champions Belgium, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand and Ireland.
To advance to the quarterfinals, the team must secure a top-four finish in its group. Group A includes the Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain, Spain, South Africa and host nation France, setting the stage for a highly competitive 12-team men's hockey tournament.
