Whenever the resurgence of Indian hockey in the 21st century is discussed, Harmanpreet Singh’s name will be written in golden letters. Emerging from the fertile soil of Punjab, this player today is not only the captain of the Indian men’s hockey team but is also regarded as one of the most dangerous drag-flickers in world hockey. Fans affectionately call him “Sarpanch Sahib.”
He has played a decisive role in helping India win two Olympic bronze medals (Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024) and has won the FIH Player of the Year Award three times. Harmanpreet proved his talent at the junior level before making his senior team debut in 2015.
King of the Drag Flick
According to the Hockey India website, Harmanpreet made his debut for the Indian senior team in 2015 and quickly became an indispensable part of the squad. He has played more than 250 international matches and has scored the highest number of drag-flick goals for India.
Appointed captain in 2022, he has led the team to several major victories. He scored six goals at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, helping India secure the bronze medal, and repeated the feat by winning bronze again at the Paris Olympics 2024. More recently, in the 2025 Asia Cup, he completed 250 international caps.
Harmanpreet Singh’s greatest strength lies in his ability to convert penalty corners into goals. The speed and precision of his drag flick often leave the world’s best goalkeepers helpless. Playing as a defender, he acts as a wall for the team, and when required, scores goals like a forward.
Major Achievements
He won gold at the 2017 Asia Cup and bronze at the 2018 Champions Trophy, taking Indian hockey to new heights. Under Harmanpreet Singh’s leadership, Indian hockey has touched fresh milestones.
He was a key member of the team that ended India’s 41-year Olympic medal drought by winning bronze at Tokyo 2020. Under his captaincy, India secured an Olympic bronze medal for the second consecutive time, with Harmanpreet emerging as the tournament’s top scorer (10 goals).
Under his leadership, India also won gold at the 2023 Asian Games. He has been selected multiple times as the world’s best hockey player (FIH Player of the Year).
Personal Life
Harmanpreet Singh was born on 6 January 1996 in village Timmowal, Amritsar district, Punjab, into a farming family. While helping with agricultural work, he naturally developed physical strength. It is said that driving tractors at a young age and working in the fields strengthened his arms and shoulders—strength that is now evident in his powerful drag flick.
Harmanpreet developed a passion for hockey early in life and, after playing locally as a child, began learning the finer nuances of the game at Surjit Hockey Academy in Jalandhar.
According to the official Olympic website, Harmanpreet leads a simple life and remains deeply connected to his family. He actively inspires youth to take up hockey. He has played a crucial role in reviving Indian hockey and is associated with several brands. Recently, in 2025, he signed with Baseline Ventures. Under his leadership, the team also delivered a strong performance at the Asia Cup 2025.
Strong Will, Certain Success
Harmanpreet Singh is not just a player but a powerful source of inspiration for the youth of Punjab. He has proven that with firm determination, one can rise from village lanes to dominate the world’s biggest sporting arenas.
His humility and dedication to the sport set him apart. Harmanpreet Singh is a pride of Punjab and India. Through sheer hard work and talent, he has brought Indian hockey back onto the global stage. In the years to come, he will continue to lead the team toward greater victories and remain a guiding light for young athletes.
Leave a Comment