Sacrifices we are making now will prove to be worthy in the future," says Indian hockey's young-midfielder Hardik Singh

Bengaluru, 26 November 2020: In the National Coaching Camp since August this year, the Indian Men's Hockey Team midfielder Hardik Singh believes the sacrifices they are making now will be worthwhile if the team performs well at the Olympic Games in Tokyo next year. "We are living in a small bubble and that's helped us to know each other more. Having deeper understanding of each other's game is also helping us on the field. I think staying away from our families for nearly four months now is going to be worthwhile in the future because we are sacrificing a lot to do well in the Olympic Games. That's our primary goal," stated young prodigy Hardik Singh.

Although Hardik Singh had narrowly missed playing the FIH Junior Men's World Cup in 2016, he has been a regular prospect in the Senior Men's Core Group over the last couple of years. He feels the exposure he is gaining alongside senior players in the squad has helped him hone his skills. "I had felt awfully bad missing out the Junior World Cup which India won by beating Belgium in the Final. I was part of the reserves, but I feel that disappointment of not making the squad only made me much stronger and more determined to improve my game and prove my mettle whenever I am provided with an opportunity," stated Hardik. 

A huge fan of football, particularly the Argentine legend Deigo Maradona who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 60 has not only shocked the footballing community but also sent the hockey team into mourning, stated Hardik. "Almost all of us in the team are big fan of football and we watch games regularly. The news of Maradona passing away yesterday shocked us and we were instantly reminded of the role he played in the 1986 World Cup where Argentina won the World Cup. He also played for my favourite club Barcelona, there is a lot to learn from his life as a legend of the game and he will be remembered for a long time," stated Hardik said.