Want to begin Olympic cycle with Asian Champions Trophy win: Harmanpreet Singh
India captain Harmanpreet Singh wants his side to start the new Olympic cycle by winning the Asian Champions Trophy 2024. The tournament comes after India’s bronze medal win at the Paris Olympics 2024, their second consecutive one at the games. India are the defending champions at the Asian Champions trophy, which last year kickstarted their fine run.
Harmanpreet, who was the top goalscorer in Paris, said that the Asian Champions Trophy last year gave them the right momentum going into the Asian Games and Olympics. India had won gold medal at the Asian Games after the ACT win and followed it up with bronze in Paris.
“The Asian Champions Trophy last year gave us the right momentum going into the Asian Games and followed it up with the Olympic Games triumph of standing on the podium yet again. This time too, we want to begin the fresh Olympic cycle by winning this tournament.”
Ready for the challenge
Harmanpreet said that the team has a lot of youngsters apart from the Olympic squad members, who will be looking to make an impact on the team. The India captain said that they would be aiming ot play a structured defence against teams like Japan, Malaysia and Pakistan.
Harmanpreet said that ACT will be important for them in terms of world ranking points and the team is ready for the challenge.
“While we have ten members from the Olympic side playing in this tournament, we have a few youngsters trying to make their impact in the team. In terms of game point-of-view, our attacking and penalty corners are our forte but we will be looking to play a structured defence, particularly against teams like Japan, Malaysia and Pakistan. This is an important tournament for us in terms of world ranking points and we are ready for the challenge,” said Harmanpreet.
India will begin their campaign with the opening match against hosts China, followed by their second match on 9th September against Japan. Following a day’s rest, India will take on last year’s runners-up Malaysia on 11th and play Korea on 12th September. After a day’s break, India will take on nemesis Pakistan on 14th, while the Semi-Final and Final will be held on 16th and 17th September respectively.