India’s hockey captain, Harmanpreet Singh, is brimming with excitement as he looks forward to the two-match bilateral series against Germany. The series, set to take place at the historic Major Dhyanchand Stadium in New Delhi on October 23rd and 24th, marks a significant moment for Indian hockey. It will be the first time men’s international hockey returns to the capital city after a decade, with the last match played back in 2014 during the Hockey World League Final.
For Harmanpreet, this series is about more than just a competitive clash between two formidable teams. He sees it as an opportunity to rekindle the spirit of hockey in Delhi, a city that once held a prominent position in the world of hockey. “This series is not just about the two teams playing. It’s about reviving the spirit of hockey in Delhi. We hope this will inspire more young players from the region to take up the game,” Harmanpreet shared in a press release issued by Hockey India.
The prospect of playing in front of their home fans in Delhi after such a long absence is a source of immense pride for the Indian team. “Playing in front of home fans in Delhi after so many years is truly special for us as a team. The Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium holds a lot of history and memories, and to lead the team here will be a huge honour,” Harmanpreet expressed.
This series arrives at a crucial juncture for the Indian team, coming on the heels of their triumphant title win at the Asian Champions Trophy in China earlier this month. Harmanpreet sees the Germany series as a valuable opportunity to test the team further and prepare them for upcoming major tournaments. “Germany is one of the top teams in world hockey, and playing against them will be a great challenge for us. It’s important for our preparation as we gear up for major tournaments ahead. “We are working hard, and this series will give us the opportunity to test ourselves against a very strong opponent,” he stated.
The return of international hockey to Delhi promises to be a memorable event, reigniting passion for the sport and providing a platform for India to showcase its hockey prowess against a strong opponent. Harmanpreet’s leadership and the team’s determination will be key as they strive to deliver a successful series and inspire a new generation of hockey enthusiasts in Delhi.
