“All I want is to don the national jersey,” Manpreet Singh says about his transition from a midfielder to a defender

Manpreet Singh is a long-serving warhorse for the Indian Men’s Hockey Team. However, the flashy midfielder has now transformed into a defender under the tutelage of their new head coach Craig Fulton. Manpreet, who started his career as a defender has shifted back to that role due to India’s issue in defence.

India played really well against Argentina and they defeated the South Americans 2-1 to end the FIH Hockey Pro League on a high. While Akashdeep and Sukhjeet scored the goals for the Men in Blue, Mandeep worked tirelessly to thwart many Argentine attackers.

“I joined the national team as a defender in 2011. Slowly I moved to midfield and played there. Different coaches have used me in different ways. I think all of it comes down to team composition,” Manpreet told Bridge before flying to Europe.

“Honestly, I don’t care much where I am playing. All I want is to don the national jersey and play for my country,” he added.

He highlighted how the new coach Fulton is focused on defence and wants to build a philosophy around which he will set up the team. “The new coach has explained his vision to us very clearly. He wants the team to defend and win. He has brilliant ideas about how we will play hockey. The best part is that he wants to keep our style of hockey at the center and build a strong team around it.” he opined.

With the FIH Hockey Pro League ending, the Indian team will now focus on the Asian Champions Trophy which will be held in Chennai in August.

Manpreet shared how the schedule is packed for the Men’s Hockey team. He also adds how playing against the best teams in the world will help them improve drastically. Lastly, he also expressed his desire to play on home turf.

“We have a packed schedule, honestly. We are playing the best teams around the world and this will help us improve. I am excited to play in Asian Champions Trophy as it is happening on our home turf. We are following our process and staying together,” he shared.

After the disappointment of the World Cup at home, India will look to leave no stone unturned at the Asian Champions Trophy. Hopefully, this will bring joy to the supporters, who have always backed the team. With the team looking to do their best in the Asian Games, these tournaments are of prime importance.