India have not won the men\u2019s Hockey World Cup since their triumph in 1975, and Harmanpreet believes the current squad has both the experience and confidence to challenge for the title. The captain pointed to the team\u2019s back-to-back Olympic medals at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 as a source of motivation ahead of the tournament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe World Cup means a lot to all of us because after this World Cup, you never know what might happen. There are several senior players in the team as well, so for us, this is a great opportunity. With all the hard work we\u2019ve put in and how we have trained, we believe that we can definitely do this. And that\u2019s our only aim, to give our best and win a medal. Of course, winning back-to-back medals in Tokyo and Paris has definitely been a very motivating factor for us,\u201d Harmanpreet told JioStar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Harmanpreet acknowledged that India will enter the competition as underdogs but believes that status could work in the team\u2019s favour. Rather than carrying the burden of expectation, the squad sees the tournament as an opportunity to demonstrate its ability on the world stage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe are here as underdogs. We believe this is the right situation for us to show everyone what India can do and what capability India has. The hope is to bring the trophy home. It\u2019s easy to say, and the journey will be tough and rough, but we are ready,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The captain also stressed the importance of unity within the squad, insisting that individual contributions will take a back seat to the collective objective. With senior players bringing experience and younger members adding energy, Harmanpreet said the team has developed a strong sense of trust.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe team trusts one another and our mindset is positive. Who scores or who defends doesn\u2019t matter, as long as we win as a team. We will go all out,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While the ambition is to lift the trophy, Harmanpreet identified India\u2019s defensive organisation as the foundation for making a deep run in the tournament. He believes a disciplined defensive structure will allow India to create more opportunities at the other end.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cOur first priority will be defence. If we defend well throughout the tournament, we will be close to achieving what we have come here for. We have practised really well in that area,\u201d Harman said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India have worked extensively on different defensive approaches during their preparations, with the team training for situations involving a full press, half-court press and low press. Harmanpreet said the squad has also devoted considerable time to understanding individual responsibilities within those systems.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWhatever our structure is, full press, half court, low press, I think in all those areas, we\u2019ve sat down for individual meetings and team discussions with all the players,\u201d the ace mentioned.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
For India, the defensive work is not merely about preventing goals. Harmanpreet believes an organised defence can provide the platform for the team to repeatedly put pressure on opponents and create scoring opportunities inside the opposition circle.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBecause when you defend well, situations will arise to consistently enter the opponent\u2019s D. So, how to convert those 50-50 chances, how to do the receiving well under pressure, how to smartly produce an outcome in the D, whether it\u2019s a shot on goal or earning a penalty corner, those things will be critical.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
For India, the defensive work is not merely about preventing goals. Harmanpreet believes an organised defence can provide the platform for the team to repeatedly put pressure on opponents and create scoring opportunities inside the opposition circle.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India\u2019s recent Olympic record has already demonstrated their ability to compete for major honours, but the World Cup represents a different challenge \u2014 and an opportunity to end one of the longest title droughts in the country\u2019s sporting history.<\/p>\r\n\r\n