Hockey's Golden Boy: The Captain Who Brought India’s Olympic Dream Back, Manpreet Singh | Season 2 Ep 04
In this episode, one of India's best field hockey players and the former captain of the Indian men's hockey team, Manpreet Sigh, shares his journey from a farming family in rural Punjab to becoming an Olympic medalist. He discusses the lessons he learned from each Olympic Games and the key factors that led to the consistent success of the Indian Hockey Team. Manpreet also talks about the importance of education, dedication, and mindset in achieving goals. He shares his favorite athlete, Cristiano Ronaldo, and the impact of his partnership with Red Bull on his preparation and performance. Manpreet's message to the next generation is to never give up and to always set goals. He also reveals his dream of winning the World Cup.
Takeaways:
- Education is important for athletes, and they should prioritize their studies alongside their sport.
- Setting goals and working hard towards them is essential for achieving dreams.
- Partnerships with brands like Red Bull can have a positive impact on an athlete's preparation and performance.
- Never give up and always believe in yourself, even in the face of challenges.
About Manpreet Singh:
Manpreet Singh, is one of India’s best field hockey players and the captain of the Indian men’s hockey team.
Born to a farming family in rural Punjab, Manpreet did his national team debut in 2011.
His first big tournament was when he represented India at the 2012 Games in London. He captained the junior national team at the 2013 Men's Hockey Junior World Cup and again at the 2013 Sultan of Johor Cup, where he won his first gold medal.
He went on to win gold medals with the national team at the 2014 Asian Games and the 2016 Asian Men's Hockey Champions Trophy. He played in his second Games when he represented India at Rio in 2016.
In 2017, he was named the captain of the India national hockey team and went on to lead the team to gold at the 2017 Men's Hockey Asia Cup. Later in the year, he captained India to bronze at the Hockey World League Final.
Under his captaincy, India has also won bronze at the 2018 Asian Games, silver at the 2018 Champions Trophy, and gold at the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy.
In 2018, he was given the Arjuna Award, the highest honour bestowed given to a sportsperson by the Indian government.
In 2019, he was named the best men’s player at the FIH Player of the Year Awards.
At Tokyo 2020, he led India to a bronze medal, ending a wait of 41 years for an Olympic medal in hockey. Later in 2021, he was awarded the Khel Ratna, the highest honour given to sportspersons in India.
About the podcast host, Garima Avtar:
Garima Avtar is an extreme rally driver, independent automotive journalist, 3 times Tedx Speaker, host NBA India Weekly Show and a passionate content creator. She has been a trailblazer in the male-dominated sport of extreme rallying, & a true inspiration for anyone who dreams of following their passion, despite all odds.
She has also been recognised with awards such as DNA New Gen Women Achiever’s Award 2024 in the Auto Category, COWE Excellence Award 2024, SheThePeopleTV 40 Over 40 2024, gold at ETBrand Equity Influencer Marketing Awards 2022, Iconic Women Leader in Sports as an Enabler of Change’ - presented at Women Economic Forum’, Best Female Driver, Radio One 94.3 FM ‘SuperWoman’, Asian Achievement award for outstanding work in extreme rallying, FLO Delhi Women Leadership Award 2021, Khel Gaurav award 2021, Peaklife Women Inspire Award 2022, Women Super Achiever Award presented at the 6th World Women Leadership Congress in, Distinguished Women Achievers’, INSPIRA Honors' Award, amongst others.
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