Jalandhar, Oct 29 Starting out as a ball boy in 2013 to becoming the vice-captain of the Indian men’s hockey team, life has come full circle for Hardik Singh, who feels the ongoing Asian Champions Trophy in Punjab is a “good payback” to the state, regarded as the cradle of hockey.
Hardik developed a fascination for hockey when he worked as a ball boy during the Hockey India League in Mohali in 2013. Thirteen years later, he is an integral part of the Indian team, with two consecutive Olympic bronze medals and back-to-back Asian Games gold medals to his credit.
“I started my career in Mohali, where the semi-finals and final (of the ACT) will be held. I started my career there and then, after three years, I came here to the Surjit Singh Academy and got the opportunity to represent Junior India. So, I got my chance from here,” The 28-year-old Hardik told PTI.
“I think, yes, for sure (it is a full-circle moment). But the thing is that we are getting matches in Punjab. Our state has produced so many international hockey legends and Olympic medallists. So, I think this is a very good payback to our state that we are getting matches here.
“And I think our next generation will be very inspired by this tournament,” he said.
Hockey was never an accidental choice for Hardik, as the sport has always been part of his family heritage. His grandfather, Pritam Singh, a former Indian Navy hockey coach, introduced him to the game, while his maternal uncle, former India drag-flicker Jugraj Singh, became his mentor.
In fact, Hardik credits Jugraj for shaping his career, saying it was his uncle’s timely advice that stopped the midfielder from giving up his dream of representing India and moving to the Netherlands.
The Asian Champions Trophy, being held in Jalandhar and Mohali, marks the return of international hockey to Punjab after 17 years. The last time the state hosted an international tournament was the Gold Cup in 2009.
With more than half of the Indian squad hailing from Punjab, regarded as the ‘Mecca of Indian hockey’, the tournament is a nostalgic occasion for the state, which has produced several hockey legends.
“I think this is a very special moment for us because most of the boys started their careers here. We have memories of the hostel as well. Whenever a good player used to come here, they would give us good tips,” said Hardik, who was born in Khusropur village near Jalandhar.
“So, I think those memories are being refreshed. And when you play at your home stadium, where you started your career, it is always a special moment.”
Having secured their berth at the Los Angeles Olympics with gold at the Asian Games, India will begin their preparations for the quadrennial showpiece with the Asian Champions Trophy.
“From here, we won the Asian Games and qualified for the Olympics. Our preparations also start from here, and I think they are going very well. The pressure is not as much as it was during the Asian Games,” Hardik said.
“Step by step, we will focus on the next tournament. We will look at the tournaments coming up in 2027 and prepare for the Olympics accordingly.
(PTI News)
