Gargi Raut
The Asia Cup is returning after eight years and India’s World Cup qualification is at stake. The men’s hockey team is staring at both pressure and opportunity. In an exclusive conversation with RevSportz, vice-captain Hardik Singh and midfielder Vivek Sagar Prasad open up about their worst “downfall” at the recent Pro League, the lessons they have learned and India’s ‘step-by-step’ approach in the hunt for a World Cup berth. From the heat in Rajgir to the dream of reclaiming continental glory, the duo discusses motivation, responsibility, and their vision for the next generation of players.
Q: This is the first time the Indian men’s team will play in Rajgir. What does it mean to you to bring international hockey to Bihar, a region not traditionally seen as a hockey hub?
Vivek: It was very hot in the first session. When we came back from Australia, it was very cold there. But we brought the mindset that we have to achieve our target. We are used to this weather.
We have grown up in this weather, so the climate didn’t make much of a difference to us. We can easily adapt here. And secondly, I would like more athletes to come out of here.
I want all youngsters to be inspired by this Asia Cup, those who want to achieve their dreams.
Hardik: I believe after we win this Asia Cup, there will be many kids who will get inspired and pick up hockey again. When you are young, you always notice which team is doing well.
When I was in my hostel in 2014, India won a gold medal in the Asian Games. That was a big inspiration for me. And I hope we can do the same for the upcoming generation.
Q: The Asia Cup this time around isn’t just about reclaiming the title after eight years. It’s also about securing a World Cup berth. How is the team handling that added layer of pressure?
Hardik: I’m not going to say ‘there is no pressure’. But I think it’s part of our job. At the same time, this is a very good chance for us to play well in this tournament.
We have to take it match by match. Of course, our bigger goal is to qualify, but our main aim is to win and dominate every match. If we focus on each game and stick to our process instead of worrying about outcomes, then I believe we will be successful in this tournament.
Q: You’ve spoken about taking things “game by game.” Realistically, how difficult is it for the players to block out the bigger picture of World Cup qualification?
Vivek: I think this team has been playing continuously for a long time. For 4-5 years we have played big tournaments together. The Asia Cup is such a fun tournament, as Hardik mentioned, that we have to be successful in it.
Success means lifting the cup. Our goal will be to go day by day, match by match, because we know what our target is. But if we go step by step, we can achieve it more quickly. If we try to jump directly to the top, it’s not possible.
The good thing is that we have been playing together for a long time. We have a good combination, which I think will help us succeed in this tournament.
Q: India struggled in the Pro League. What are the biggest lessons you’ve taken from that campaign that will help in Rajgir?
Vivek: As a team, we have decided that the Pro League was our worst downfall. But we have overcome and moved on.
What we’ve learnt is that we don’t have to compare our level with others. We have to play according to our own level, not according to how the other team is playing. That was a big lesson for us. We’ve learned from the past, and now we have to focus on what’s next.
Hardik: For us, yes, it was a really tough tour. It was like a reality check because in my career, we had never lost a match against Argentina, and we never had a seven-match losing streak. But that’s the beauty of sport, unexpected things happen, and then you have to rise from that situation. Our ultimate goal is to win the World Cup, and medal at the Asian Games next year. But for now, it’s the Asia Cup.
When we eventually achieve our ultimate goal, we will laugh about those seven losses. But the reality check was important. It reminded us to be humble, to work harder, and to focus on the small details. That was a very good lesson for us, both as athletes and human beings.
Q: How did you keep each other motivated during this time?
Vivek: Individually, I tried to see the mistakes I made and how I could improve. It’s not like we made a complete blunder. We did play well, but sometimes things just don’t go your way.
Like you said, how did we motivate each other? We talked to each other. We didn’t sweep anything under the carpet. We shared things. We didn’t hide our feelings. We spoke openly so we could overcome the situation together and move forward as a team.
Hardik: For me, the best thing was that we always had team meetings after matches. If anyone had something on their mind, they could say it in front of everyone.
After losing seven matches, naturally, no one would feel motivated. Human nature is to think, “I did my best, and maybe someone else didn’t.” But that’s the beauty of team sport. When you win, you win together, and when you lose, you lose together.
The good thing about this team is that most of the time, these meetings go in a positive direction. We listen to each other. If someone was uncomfortable in a match, we ask why, and we share our views.
At the end of the day, it’s also about personal responsibility. You are chosen for this team, and there are so many people behind you who want this chance. You can’t take it lightly. You have to take responsibility and learn from mistakes.
What we can do now is give 100% at the Asia Cup. Winning it will feel like healing a wound or lightening a scar.
Q: Finally, if India were to reclaim the Asia Cup after eight years, what would that achievement mean to each of you personally?
Vivek: For me, this is my first Asia Cup, and for many players, it’s their first too. I want us to win the trophy. Then one more target will be achieved, and we will move on to the next.
Hardik: For us, reclaiming the trophy after eight years would be very special. Neither I nor Sagar have played in an Asia Cup in the last eight years, so this will be a new experience for us.
Of course, our bigger goal is to qualify, but first we need to win. We want to dominate Asia so that we can also challenge ourselves at the world level.
If we win this tournament, it will mean another gold medal for us in Asia, and that will look really good.
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