shot-button
Maharashtra Elections 2024 Maharashtra Elections 2024
Home > Sports News > Other Sports News > Article > India hockey captain Manpreet Singh We deserved better

India hockey captain Manpreet Singh: We deserved better

Updated on: 04 August,2021 07:40 AM IST  |  Tokyo
PTI |

India skipper Manpreet Singh disappointed with 2-5 loss to Belgium in semi-final, but insists on channelising energy towards winning bronze medal encounter

India hockey captain Manpreet Singh: We deserved better

India players are distraught after their semi-final defeat to Belgium yesterday. Pic/PTI

The 2-5 loss to Belgium in the Olympic semi-finals on Tuesday is disappointing but Indian men’s hockey team captain Manpreet Singh and star custodian PR Sreejesh said the side has no time to dwell on the heartbreak as it has to refocus for Thursday’s bronze medal play-off against Germany, who lost to Australia 1-3 in the other semi-final.


The eight-time winners of Olympic gold, the last of which came way back in 1980, fell short against world champions Belgium, losing 2-5 in the semi-finals here on Tuesday.


Winning mindset


“It is really hard for me right now because we came with a winning mindset, but unfortunately we didn’t win the match. Now, we need to focus on our next bronze-medal match and we need to work, get the medal,” Manpreet said after the loss.

Manpreet SinghManpreet Singh

“It’s a great honour for us reaching the semi-final after a long time, but now we need to focus on our next match...it is really important for us. At least, we should win a bronze medal for the nation,” he added.

The skipper said that having toiled hard for the last five years to reach this level, India deserved a better result. “It’s always been hard work and togetherness. This team have been together for the last four or five years. We have worked really hard to reach this level. We deserve better. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get it 
today.”

Sreejesh agreed with his skipper and said the loss against Belgium is a thing of the past now and it’s time to focus on returning home with a medal from Tokyo.

“Disappointed, but you don’t have time to worry about that. You need to forget about that and think about the future. Now, we still have a chance to win a medal and that’s more important for us than crying at this time,” he said.

“It’s more important for us to think about the future, think about where we lost, where we committed the mistakes, rectify that, and move on,” he added.

It’s heartbreaking: Rupinder

Senior India defender Rupinder Pal Singh too felt that all is not lost. “Of course, it’s heartbreaking for us, reaching the semi-final after 41 years and we were here to win the gold. That was our aim, but we lost today. The great thing is we have a chance to finish third in the next game,” he said.

Also Read: Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj deserve spot in playing XI: Salil Ankola

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK