• Source:JND

Paris Olympics 2024: India's hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh led from the front as he emerged as the top goal-scorer at the Paris Olympics 2024, helping his side clinch a remarkable bronze medal.

Harmanpreet scored 10 goals in eight matches and found the back of the net twice as India defeated Spain 2-1 on Thursday, August 8.

"All the credit goes to my team for working hard for me, for making PCs (penalty corners), and all the forward line," said the Indian hockey team captain. "I'm so proud of that. Of course, I'm proud of myself as the captain as well, but the team comes first, always."

The 28-year-old was instrumental in his team's success, winning five out of their eight matches and defeating mighty Australia on their way to the semifinals.

ALSO READ: India At Paris Olympics 2024 August 9 Live Updates

He was a constant threat to opponents throughout the tournament for his ability to convert penalty corners into goals.

Apart from the group-stage clash against Belgium, Harmanpreet Singh scored in every match for the Indian hockey team in Paris 2024.


Who is Harmanpreet Singh?

Born on January 6, 1996, Harmanpreet hails from Punjab's Timmowal. Despite being a part of a family with a farming background, Harmanpreet was asked to do whatever he wished was by his father.

He started playing hockey at the age of 10. When he was 15 years old, he joined the Surjit Singh Hockey Academy with the hopes of becoming a forward.

Harmanpreet’s rise in hockey began with his debut for the Junior team in 2014 where he emerged as a promising star in the Sultan of Johor Cup.

His nine goals helped the team win the tournament after defeating Great Britain 2-1 in the final.

He was a member of the team that won the 2015 Men's Hockey Junior Asia Cup, finishing as the highest goalscorer of the tournament with 14 goals.

Harmanpreet scored three goals in the 2016 Men's Junior Hockey World Cup which India won by defeating Belgium 2-1 in the final.

He made his senior debut in 2015 and has since been a key player in the team, particularly known for his drag-flicking abilities.

ALSO READ: Arshad Nadeem's Mother's Heartwarming Comment On Neeraj Chopra Goes Viral| Watch

His leadership was instrumental in India’s gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games, securing their spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

He was also a part of India’s historic bronze medal run at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and was named FIH Player of the Year for 2020–2021 and 2021–2022.

 

PM Modi hails 'Sarpanch' Harmanpreet

While congratulating the Men in Blue for their second successive Olympic bronze, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed skipper Harmanpreet and mentioned him as 'Sarpanch Saahb' (leader).

He has been nicknamed 'Sarpanch' for leading the team from the front at the Paris Olympics


Also In News