Bengaluru: Two players - one a drag-flicker who was part of the senior squad that took part in the Rio Olympics, and the other, a midfielder from a small village called Ahalu from 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 in the team, the focus, inspiration and determination to return as world champions, from the big event to be held 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 before adding that playing with the seniors does 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 Harmanpreet, who made headlines after consistent performances in the four-nation tournament at Valencia last month, looks to senior drag flicker Rupinder Singh Pal and national team captain and goalkeeper PR Sreejesh for guidance to improve his penalty corner efforts.
‘Focus and execute’
“Everyone has a different way of taking it. If you notice, more goals come from low shots (hence I strike low). We just have to focus on the target and execute,” he opined.
“In training, the methods that they use and what I do are same. They (Rupinder and VR Raghunath) have a lot of experience. Be it any goalkeeper, they know him; weaknesses, plus points. The coach gives a lot of inputs as well,” 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 at 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,” said Nilakanta.
