In a new episode of Backstage with Boria, hockey stalwarts, Jarmanpreet Singh and Hardik Singh, open up about their target of ending India’s 50-year World Cup-medal drought. They also reflect on the upcoming Hockey India League season, acknowledge the constant backing from the federation, underline the importance of the Asian Games as a crucial pathway to Olympics, and credit the fans for being the driving force behind their confidence and performances on the big stage.
Boria [To Hardik]: What is your first impression on Hockey India League and what it can do for Indian hockey?
Hardik: It’s a very good stage for the youngsters. In fact, I played my first edition of HIL with Jaypee Punjab Warriors. Also, for the senior players, it is an experience of a kind to be able to share the dressing room with world players who are Olympic gold medallists, World Cup winners, and learn from them. So, overall, this platform will benefit Indian hockey.
Boria [To Jarmanpreet Singh]: What is your impression of HIL?
Jarmanpreet: I totally agree with Hardik. A lot of insider pluses and minuses of other teams gets revealed when they play together, and this can help our players work on their own shortcomings. Also, the gap between senior and junior players gets bridged in platforms like these. It’s a totally different atmosphere and a very good competitive stage to prove and improve own skills.
Boria [To Hardik]: How do you see leadership? How do you help youngsters?
Hardik: I try to bridge the gap with the juniors. I also try to remember my days and how I was helped and help the youngsters accordingly. I try to have post-match conversations with them and give them the liberty to speak in team meetings et cetera as this will boost their self-confidence.
Boria: How important is the commercial value of a league like this?
Hardik: It is very important, as it can act as a motivational factor for youngsters to take up the sport professionally if it can support livelihood. Also, a platform of this level provides an enthusiasm to do well, play better and perform.
Boria: As a senior pro, does playing with world players help sharpen your skills as well?
Hardik: Sure, Sir, it does help. In one such instance, I shared the dressing room with an Olympic gold medallist from Europe and came to know how he is eyeing the World Cup 2026 because that’s the only gold he does not have yet and he will be done after that. His focus on the gold really inspired me. So yes, such conversations do rub off on mindsets and positivity while playing together or sharing dressing rooms. In fact, getting to play and spend more time with Australian players has kind of faded the taboo (fear of failure) we had with them. HIL gave us the opportunity to know that their superiority comes from exceptional preparation for the games.
Boria [To Jarmanpreet]: How important are fans to you? And how do you want to give it back to them?
Jarmanpreet: Yes, fans are very important, they give us the enthusiasm to do well. The support that they give us on the field and off the field is very precious and making them proud by doing better is what we can do. Hockey fans are lesser in number but are very emotionally connected and very diehard. Our losses affect them as much as they affect us, so making them proud of our wins is always our way to give them back. Team structure is there, but fan support gives us a confidence nothing else can.
Boria [To Hardik]: A word on Hockey India League and the federation for successfully protecting its players.
Hardik: The way Bholanath Sir took care of us, no other secretary would do. So very thankful to HIL. When the issue with the UP Rudras Team started, JK Cement being a big name, the withdrawal sparked anxiety among the foreign players as well. But they were assured by the federation that they will be taken care of and backed. The foreign players personally acknowledged that this was something other federations back home in their countries wouldn’t have done or said when in difficulty. Also, the federation provides us with awards, remuneration et cetera to celebrate our wins, and puts in a lot of effort which I feel is very exceptional.
Boria [To Jarmanpreet]: Massive year, 2026, with Asian Games, World Cup and a lot more. Thoughts on the year.
Jarmanpreet: Our focus is the World Cup, as Indian hockey has not got any medal in the World Cup for 50 years now, and even a podium finish would be a good thing for us to show the world that Indian hockey is not finished yet. Our preparation and camps have begun and we will start our best game from the HIL only, because then there is the Pro League and then Asian Games which is qualification for the Olympics.
Boria [To Hardik]: How about you? How are you looking at 2026 as a leader?
Hardik: It’s going to be a very important year for us because, within a span of 30 days, we have Asian Games and World Cup with a gap of two weeks and we want to win gold(s), so it is tough.
Boria: Is it possible to peak with two important games that close?
Hardik: No one has done it yet and someone must do it. So, I think it’s going to be us. If no one has done it yet, we will have to be the one. No one goes to World Cup thinking they will come second. Everyone wants to be the champion, so ours is the same. Our plans and preparations are in place. We went to Cape Town for our team tour and discussions are on to make India proud at the World Cup and send the best team for Asian Games, as it is the stepping stone for Olympics later.
Boria: It has been a wonderful conversation with two of the best players of Indian hockey
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Watch the full interview here
