R P Singh Backs India Hockey Team for World Cup Medal

India hockey chief selector R P Singh is confident that Harmanpreet Singh and his teammates have what it takes to compete for a medal at the upcoming Hockey World Cup. With the tournament beginning next week, India are aiming to end a 51-year wait for a podium finish.

Singh believes the current Indian squad has the right combination of experienced players and emerging youngsters, while also possessing the tactical flexibility required to compete against the strongest teams in world hockey.

R P Singh backs India’s balanced squad

The selectors have focused on players who can adapt to the modern demands of international hockey. The game increasingly requires athletes to contribute in multiple areas, with forwards expected to press and track back, midfielders required to create and retain possession, and defenders increasingly involved in building attacks.

“Now, it’s everybody’s game and modern defensive responsibilities extend well into the opponent’s half,” R P Singh said.

According to Singh, India’s squad has been selected with these evolving tactical demands in mind. He believes the team’s ability to combine attacking intent with defensive responsibility could prove crucial during the World Cup.

Experience and youth key to India’s medal hopes

A major reason behind Singh’s optimism is the balance between experienced campaigners and young players. Senior members of the squad can provide composure and experience during high-pressure matches, while the youngsters bring energy, unpredictability and adaptability.

“We are a balanced side and barring a few youngsters, others have enough experience of tackling any rivals in the world,” Singh said.

He added that India will be genuine medal contenders if the players remain disciplined and execute their natural game within the structure created by the coaches and selectors.

India’s recent success gives selectors confidence

India’s recent podium finishes at major international competitions have further strengthened the belief that the team can challenge for honours. Singh pointed to back-to-back medals at the Olympics and the Asian Games as evidence of a maturing hockey system rather than isolated successes.

The development of younger players has also been a priority. Singh believes several members of the current junior setup could eventually become part of India’s squad for the 2028 Olympics.

“Our juniors too have been doing wonders and I am sure that many of them will make it to the squad for the 2028 Olympics,” he said.

R P Singh warns India cannot take any opponent lightly

While India have the quality to challenge the leading teams, Singh acknowledged that European sides and Australia remain capable of producing match-winning performances at any stage of the tournament.

However, he believes India can also cause major upsets against the world’s top teams.

“The European opponents or Australia can upset anyone at any time, but I feel India has the ability to do the same,” Singh said.

He has urged the players to approach every pool-stage match with the intensity of a knockout game. According to Singh, strong results early in the tournament could create momentum and help India progress deep into the knockout rounds.

India women’s team also backed to make an impact

Singh also expressed confidence in India’s women’s hockey team. He highlighted the combination of experienced players and promising youngsters in the squad and pointed to their performances in recent continental competitions.

India’s women’s team has shown its quality at events including the Asian Champions Trophy and the FIH Hockey Nations Cup. Singh believes those performances can provide confidence heading into another major international challenge.

India eye historic Hockey World Cup campaign

With the Hockey World Cup approaching, India will look to turn their recent consistency into a deep tournament run. The combination of experienced leaders, emerging talent and tactical versatility has raised expectations around the team.

For R P Singh, the message to the players is clear: respect every opponent, start strongly and trust the structure built by the coaching and selection staff. If India can maintain their composure in the crucial moments, the chief selector believes they have a genuine opportunity to challenge for the podium.