Sunday, Apr 28, 2024 | Last Update : 04:00 PM IST
We’ve to show results at World Cup: Harmanpreet
For midfielder Nilakanta, the wins in Spain are a huge morale-booster, as he looks to take things forward.
Bengaluru: Two players — one a drag-flicker who was part of the senior squad for the Rio Olympics, and the other, a midfielder from a small village called Ahalu near Imphal — will be the key to Indian squad’s fortunes in the junior World Cup beginning next month.
While Harmanpreet Singh and Nilakanta Sharma play different roles, the focus, inspiration and determination to return as world champions, from the big event in Lucknow next month, burns bright in the duo.
Harmanpreet, generally the most playful off the field, is quick to put on his serious face when asked about the game, his time with the senior squad, preparation and mood in the colts’ camp.
“When I was there (in Rio), they would point out the mistakes I was making and took interest in helping me. That is paying off now,” he said, adding that playing with the seniors did not make him special. “I am the same as I was before and will continue to be like this. I just play my normal game and guide when asked to.”
The 20-year-old, who made headlines with consistent performances at a four-nation tournament at Valencia last month, looks to senior drag flicker Rupinder Singh Pal and national team captain and goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh for guidance to improve his penalty corner efforts.
“In training, the methods that they use and what I do are same. They (Rupinder and V.R. Raghunath) have a lot of experience. Be it any goalkeeper, they know him; weaknesses and plus points,” he remarked. While they are leaving no stone unturned in their bid to peak at the World Cup, Harmanpreet is fully aware of the challenges ahead.
“So far, we have performed well. We are going with the aim of winning a medal. We have to show the results for the three years we have been together,” Harmanpreet stressed.
Meanwhile, for midfielder Nilakanta, the wins in Spain are a huge morale-booster and something he is keen to take going forward. “(The) wins at Spain were a confidence-booster. Everyone is hard working and the team automatically gets into a serious mode, each of them knows what their roles are,” he said.
