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Indian hockey forward Sukhjeet Singh is brimming with confidence ahead of his Olympic debut at the Paris Games. Despite the pressure of playing at the highest level, Sukhjeet remains unfazed, drawing inspiration from his international goals.Sukhjeet made his debut for the Indian team in 2022, scoring a goal in his first match against Spain in the FIH Pro League. Since then, he has amassed 22 goals in 70 international appearances, showcasing his prowess as a prolific scorer.Physically and mentally prepared for the challenges of the Olympics, Sukhjeet is one of five debutants joining the 11 members of the Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist team. He believes that the team's experience and his own preparation will help them navigate the pressure of facing top teams in the pool.India's campaign begins on July 27 against New Zealand, followed by matches against Argentina, Ireland, Belgium, and Australia. Sukhjeet is particularly eager to face Australia, a formidable opponent that India has faced 43 times since 2013.To boost his confidence, Sukhjeet watches clips of his international goals before big matches. He also credits sports psychologists for providing valuable guidance on handling pressure.Sukhjeet's journey to hockey began at the age of six, inspired by his father, a former Punjab Police hockey player. His father's dream of seeing his son represent India has now become a reality.When asked about his aspirations for the Olympic Games Village, Sukhjeet remains focused on his preparation. He believes that the team's camaraderie and the support of senior players will help them achieve their goals.Sukhjeet's determination and unwavering belief in his abilities make him a valuable asset to the Indian hockey team. As he prepares for the biggest stage in sports, he is confident that he will make his father and the entire nation proud.

Shamsher Singh's Olympic journey has been a testament to his unwavering determination and the belief of his coaches. From being a relatively unknown player to a key member of India's bronze-winning team in Tokyo, Shamsher has come a long way.In 2021, Graham Reid's decision to include Shamsher in the Olympic squad raised eyebrows. However, Reid's faith in the young forward proved to be well-founded as Shamsher played a crucial role in India's historic medal win.Now, with 95 caps to his name, Shamsher is a seasoned campaigner. He has matured into a lynchpin of the team and is aware of the importance of his role in India's quest for a medal in Paris."I have learnt a lot from our seniors in the last three years," Shamsher said. "I am confident of performing well even this time."Shamsher's rapid pace and peripheral vision were the qualities that initially caught the attention of the selectors. However, he has since developed new skills, including his ability to build the attack and link the midfield and frontline.Under Craig Fulton, Shamsher's role has evolved from an out-and-out forward to an attacking midfielder. This change has allowed him to provide more assists and earn multiple penalty corners."My ability to control passes from defense to the forward line, making that connection has worked," Shamsher said. "Also, my ability to receive and control aerial balls from the back and push it forward are probably my plus points which have handed me the role of the linkman."Fulton's 'defend to win' strategy has also seen Shamsher take on a more defensive role. He now plays a key role in poaching the ball during opposition attacks and counterattacking with the entire unit pressing."My role while defending, which wasn't much earlier, has increased," Shamsher said. "That is where I come in, where I have to assist in scoring a goal or create chances, goal shots and PCs."Shamsher's second Olympic journey will begin on July 27 when India face New Zealand. The attacking midfielder will be eager to prove his worth once again and help India achieve its medal aspirations in Paris.

The Indian men's hockey team has arrived in Paris, France, ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics. The team's arrival marks the beginning of India's Olympic dreams and the men's hockey team's quest for its first gold medal since 1980.The Indian team, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, has been training hard for the Olympics and is determined to make a strong showing in Paris. The team has a rich Olympic history, having won 12 Olympic medals, including 8 golds, 1 silver, and 3 bronze medals.India will begin its Olympic campaign on July 27 when it takes on New Zealand in its first pool B match. The team will then face Argentina, Ireland, Belgium, and Australia in the group stage. A top-four finish will ensure that India advances to the knockout stages.The Indian team is confident of its chances of winning a medal in Paris. The team has a good mix of experience and youth, and it is led by a strong captain in Harmanpreet Singh. The team is also well-coached by Graham Reid, who has a proven track record of success.The Indian men's hockey team is one of the most successful teams in the world. The team has won the World Cup three times and the Champions Trophy eight times. The team is also the reigning Asian Games champion.The Indian team is hoping to add to its medal tally in Paris. The team is determined to win its first gold medal since 1980 and to make the country proud.

The Indian hockey team faces a daunting challenge at the upcoming Paris Olympics, with a formidable group that includes Australia, Belgium, Argentina, Ireland, and New Zealand. Legendary hockey player Ashok Dhyanchand, son of the legendary Dhyan Chand, believes that the team must approach the tournament with a fearless mindset and avoid preconceived notions to overcome the obstacles.India's recent performances, including a series loss to Australia and a disappointing finish in the Pro League, have raised concerns about their readiness for the Olympics. However, Dhyanchand remains optimistic, emphasizing the team's capabilities and experience. He advises the players to control their nerves and focus on implementing their techniques and tactics.Dhyanchand acknowledges the difficulty of the group but believes that India can succeed if they play with a fresh mind and a determination to win a medal. He highlights the importance of the Olympics as a potential swansong for several players, urging them to give their all and leave a lasting legacy.Despite the challenges, Dhyanchand remains hopeful that India can stand on the podium in Paris. He laments the fading aura of hockey in India but emphasizes the enduring romance with the sport and the expectations that accompany it. He believes that a medal is an absolute necessity, given India's rich hockey history.

Sukhjeet Singh's journey to the Olympic stage has been a testament to resilience and unwavering determination. Six years ago, a debilitating back injury left his right leg temporarily paralyzed, threatening to extinguish his hockey dreams. However, with the unwavering support of his family, especially his father, Sukhjeet refused to succumb to despair.Through grueling rehabilitation and sheer willpower, Sukhjeet regained his mobility and returned to the hockey field with renewed vigor. His talent and dedication caught the attention of the Indian selectors, and in 2022, he made his debut for the national team.Despite being a newcomer to the senior squad, Sukhjeet has quickly established himself as a valuable asset. His speed, agility, and goal-scoring prowess have made him a formidable force on the forward line. In the past two years, he has scored 20 goals in 70 matches for India, including three crucial goals at the 2023 FIH Hockey World Cup.Sukhjeet's contributions have extended beyond the World Cup. He played a pivotal role in India's gold medal victories at the Asian Champions Trophy and the Hangzhou Asian Games last year. His recent performances in the FIH Hockey Pro League, where he netted five goals, further solidified his status as a rising star.As the Paris Olympics draw near, Sukhjeet is laser-focused on delivering his best performance. He is determined to repay the trust of his coach and teammates by contributing to the team's success. His journey from adversity to the Olympic stage is an inspiration to all who dare to dream big and never give up on their aspirations.

As the world eagerly anticipates the 2024 Paris Olympics, three legendary Indian hockey Olympians share their memories and insights.Vasudevan BaskaranBaskaran, the captain of India's historic gold medal-winning team at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, recalls the thrill of meeting Muhammad Ali and Carl Lewis at the Olympic village. He emphasizes the importance of networking and the unique experience of the Olympics, where athletes from all sports come together. Baskaran is optimistic about India's chances in Paris, predicting a double-digit medal tally.Muneer SaitSait, the goalkeeper of the 1968 Mexico City Olympics bronze medal-winning team, expresses his disappointment at missing out on gold due to internal team conflicts. However, he takes pride in his bronze medal, which has become a cherished possession. Sait believes that the current hockey team has excellent fitness but laments the decline in the sport's popularity in India.Charles CorneliusCornelius, a goalkeeper who won a bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics, shares his unique experience of being the only South Indian in a team of Punjabis. He highlights the importance of a goalkeeper's role in stopping the ball and preventing it from becoming a pass to the opponent. Cornelius is hopeful for the current team but expresses concern about the lack of interest in outdoor sports among the younger generation.The Future of Indian HockeyThe Olympians agree that the current Indian hockey team has the potential to perform well in Paris. They attribute this to the team's improved fitness and the leadership of experienced players. However, they also acknowledge the need to address the decline in the sport's popularity and encourage more young people to take up hockey.

Jarmanpreet Singh, a defender from Jalandhar, was once hailed as a rising star in Indian hockey. However, a failed dope test in 2015 shattered his dreams, leading to a two-year ban. Despite the setback, Jarmanpreet remained determined to return to the sport.After serving his suspension, he returned to domestic hockey in 2017 and impressed selectors with his unwavering skills. In 2018, he made his India debut at the Champions Trophy, helping the team secure a silver medal.However, Jarmanpreet faced challenges under Australian coach Graham Reid, who preferred other defenders. The disappointment of missing out on the 2021 Tokyo Olympics was a major blow.With the appointment of Craig Fulton as coach, Jarmanpreet's fortunes changed. Fulton's "defend to win" philosophy emphasized the role of flank defenders in attack, giving Jarmanpreet a new lease of life.Through rigorous training and improved game analysis, Jarmanpreet has become one of India's most improved players. His ability to switch between defense and attack seamlessly has made him a valuable asset to the team.On June 26, Jarmanpreet's Olympic dream came true when he was named in India's squad for the Paris Games. The same day, his wife gave birth to their daughter, making it a double celebration for the defender.Jarmanpreet's journey is a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite facing adversity, he never gave up on his dream of representing India at the Olympics. With his newfound confidence and the support of his coach, he is poised to make a significant contribution to India's medal hopes in Paris.

Lalit Upadhyay, a striker for the Indian men's hockey team, has overcome adversity to become an Olympic medalist. At 17, his career was derailed by a sting operation that falsely accused him of accepting a bribe. Shaken by the incident, he almost quit hockey."It was a blessing in disguise," Upadhyay said. "It made me mentally stronger. I've forgotten the incident, but it gives me strength when I remember it."Now 30, Upadhyay is a key member of the Indian team that won bronze in Tokyo. He has scored 45 goals in 168 international appearances and is focused on winning a gold medal in Paris."We know expectations are high," he said. "We're confident we can change the color of the medal."India faces a tough challenge in Paris, placed in a pool with New Zealand, Belgium, Australia, Argentina, and Ireland. But Upadhyay is optimistic."Hockey is always changing," he said. "We've been training hard and practicing against top teams like Australia, Germany, and Belgium."Upadhyay credits the team's success to mutual respect, bonding, and unity. "We stayed together for a long time during COVID," he said. "It strengthened our bond and helped us break the jinx in Tokyo."Upadhyay is inspired by hockey legend Mohammed Shahid, who hailed from his hometown of Varanasi. "I'm satisfied with what God has given me," he said. "I hope the legacy of hockey remains intact and the flag of Indian hockey keeps flying high."

Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, the Arjuna awardee and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Uttar Pradesh, is eagerly preparing for his second Olympic Games appearance in Paris this year. The 30-year-old forward for the India men's national field hockey team is determined to make a mark on the world stage once again.Upadhyay's journey to the Olympics has been filled with challenges and triumphs. Hailing from Varanasi, he faced financial constraints that often hindered his pursuit of hockey. However, his passion for the sport and unwavering determination propelled him forward.In 2020, Upadhyay played a pivotal role in India's historic bronze medal victory at the Tokyo Olympics. The achievement brought immense pride and recognition to the team and motivated them to strive for even greater success in Paris.Upadhyay's contributions to Indian hockey extend beyond the Olympics. He was instrumental in securing gold at the 2022 Asian Games in China and medals at the Commonwealth Games and the Men's FIH Hockey World Cup.As the team prepares for the Paris Games, Upadhyay emphasizes the importance of sustaining their efforts and bringing home a gold medal for India. He believes that hockey, being the national game, holds a special place in the hearts of Indians, and the team is committed to delivering their best.Upadhyay's personal life has also seen a significant milestone this year, as he tied the knot with hockey player Diksha Tiwari in April. The couple shares a passion for the sport and supports each other's aspirations.Before heading to Paris, the Indian team will participate in practice matches in Holland. Upadhyay recognizes the significance of this opportunity, as it will provide them with valuable experience and help them fine-tune their strategies.Upadhyay's journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds. He encourages parents to support their children's sporting endeavors and urges the youth to embrace sports with passion and determination.