Sardara singh

Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh AstroTurf: As the Hockey India League (HIL) gears up for its second edition in its new innings on January 3 at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai, India’s ace midfielder Hardik Singh has shared his thoughts on leadership, recognition, and the challenges that lie ahead.

In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Hardik touched upon everything from his Khel Ratna recommendation to the pressures of captaincy and the learning opportunities the HIL presents.

Asked about how it feels to be recommended for India’s highest sporting honour, the Khel Ratna award, Hardik chose to remain grounded while acknowledging the significance of the achievement. “I will still wait for the formal announcement. When you win two Olympic medals for your nation after 40 years and then back-to-back after 52 years, you feel very happy that SAI (Sports Authority of India), the Government of India, recognises your hard work.