"If we play our best game, we can beat any side" - Manpreet Singh exudes confidence ahead of 2024 Paris Olympics, stresses on focus and recovery

From the ignominy of a 12th-place finish at the 2012 London Olympics to the glory of a historic bronze medal in Tokyo three years ago, Manpreet Singh has seen it all.

The former captain has been part of a side whose Olympic fortunes have risen sharply and steadily even as Craig Fulton's chargers now attempt another podium finish at the Stade Yves-du-Manoir in Paris.

During an exclusive interaction with Sportskeeda, the star midfielder affirmed that the team is now intent on changing the color of the medal while emphasising the importance of focus and recovery.

"It's important that we perform at our best in every match. If we perform at our best, we can beat any team. We need to remain as focused on our game plan as we were during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics," he stressed.

The player from Mithapur, Jalandhar, also asserted that the Indians will not be underestimating any of the teams in Paris. Manpreet Singh was quick to point out that New Zealand, who will face India in their Olympic opener, is a team that can surprise the opposition.

"At the Olympics none of the teams that we get to play against are easy. All the teams in our pool are extremely good. New Zealand is a team that can surprise the opposition. We will not make the mistake of underestimating any team because all the teams put in their absolute best at the Olympics," the vastly experienced campaigner stated.

"Ireland and Argentina are also extremely talented sides. We are committed to giving one hundred per cent in all of our matches and it's important that we remain focused and concentrate on recovery as well," Manpreet Singh added.

Apart from New Zealand, Ireland, and Argentina, the Indians will be up against 2023-24 FIH Hockey Pro League champions Australia and defending champions Belgium during the pool stages of the men's hockey competition in Paris.

Manpreet Singh was just 19 when he was selected to be part of the Indian men's hockey team that took part in the 2012 Olympic Games. Despite the disappointment of a last-place finish, the London experience was a big moment for the youngster.

"I was really young when I was selected to be part of the London Olympics. I was just 19, and it was a big moment for me although the team didn't do well in that edition of the Games. I never did imagine at the time that I would go on to be part of four Olympic Games," said Manpreet as recalled the moment.

The Indians bounced back in style at Rio 2016 when they made the quarter-finals before scripting history with a podium finish in 2021 that came after a 41-year medal drought.

Will the spectacular rise continue for Manpreet Singh and the Indian men's team in Paris?

"The thought that is in our minds is much the same as what Indian fans expect," said Manpreet with a laugh. "We are definitely intent on changing the colour of the medal this time. That said it will not be easy and we have to all be on the same page when it comes to the mindset."

"Winning gold is the big aim for which we need to take small steps in that direction and that is just what we are working on," he stated.

Having played a few practice matches in the Netherlands the Indians will travel to Paris on Saturday, July 20.

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"A team without a good penalty corner defence cannot consider themselves to be a champion side" - Manpreet Singh

Manpreet stressed the importance of a sound penalty corner defence

Despite being one of the senior-most members of the Indian squad, Manpreet Singh doesn't shy away from putting his body on the line as a first runner in the penalty corner defense unit.

Along with Amit Rohidas, the 32-year-old stalwart is responsible for rushing down the path of the fast and furious drag flicks thus ensuring that they are either deflected away from goal or blocked completely.

Manpreet Singh highlighted the importance of having a sound short corner defence at a time when set pieces play a vital role in international hockey.

"As a first runner, it is my job to stop any drag flicks that are directed down the left so as to make the job of the goalkeeper a little easier. Penalty corners play a vital role in modern-day hockey so a team without a good short corner defence.cannot consider themselves to be a champion side," Manpreet reasoned.

"We are working a lot on our penalty corner defence, both Amit Rohidas and myself, as first runners, as well as the players who perform the role of post-men," he revealed.

Commenting on India's performance at the recent Hockey Pro League, Manpreet Singh reckoned that the players now know the strengths and weaknesses of all the teams in the fray in Paris.

Apart from New Zealand, the Indians have had the opportunity to square off against all the teams they will be playing against during the preliminary stages of the Olympic competition thanks to the Pro League.

"Our performance in the Pro League was quite good and we now know all the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition as well as how to dominate them," said Manpreet who was the flag bearer for the Indian contingent at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics.

India will take on New Zealand in a tricky opening encounter on July 27 before playing 2016 Rio Olympic gold medalists Argentina a couple of days later.