Manpreet Singh ready for the challenges ahead

Newly-appointed skipper Manpreet Singh  who will lead the Indian team at the three-nation tournament in Germany and the World Hockey League Semifinal in London next month, is the livewire of the Indian camp, always looking to make people laugh. On the field, he is key man in the midfield.

The Jalandhar-born has been named the senior team captain for a premier event for the first time. Captaincy comes with the pressure of working alongside players as well as setting standards for the juniors in the team and the midfielder says he’s ready for the challenge.

Speaking about the balancing act of a captain, Manpreet, who has led the national junior team in the past, explained: “There is a lot of difference in the leadership roles in the junior and senior teams. At the junior level, we were all about the same age but in the senior team, we have players from varied age groups and experience.

For example in the current team, Sardar (Singh), (SV) Sunil and Rupinder Pal (Singh) are iconic players. It feels a little different as a captain to lead a team with such illustrious players. That said, they have all been friendly and help me handle pressure. For me, the team goals don’t change because at the end of the day, hockey is a team sport and each one has his responsibility.”