"Need to do well against New Zealand to find our rhythm” – Mandeep Singh stresses importance of Paris Olympics opener for Indian men’s hockey team

Mandeep Singh reckons that India's performance in their opening match of the men's hockey competition at Paris 2024 could determine their approach and mentality in the following matches.

The 29-year-old striker stressed the importance of a positive start against New Zealand, which could then enable the team to find their rhythm and boost their morale for the bigger challenges ahead.

During an exclusive interaction with Sportskeeda, Mandeep ruled out taking any team lightly while asserting the importance of building a mindset to counter each side based on the structure they employ.

"All the teams prepare themselves adequately before an Olympic event so taking any team lightly is not an option in such a competition," Mandeep Singh declared.

"We need to do well in our opener against New Zealand to find our rhythm. Our confidence and morale will also get a boost if we perform well in the opening match. That said, all the teams play a different structure and we will need to build a mindset to counter each of them as the tournament progresses," he disclosed.

The Indians will also play Argentina and Ireland before taking on the might of defending champions Belgium and Pro League champions Australia in back-to-back games during the preliminary stage of the tournament.

Mandeep Singh, who has built a reputation for being a poacher, explained the importance of his role in the side. Utilizing the probing long balls to either create goalscoring opportunities in the attacking circle or manufacture penalty corners for Harmanpreet Singh to capitalize is his primary aim.

"As a striker, it's important to take up a position so as to create an outcome when the ball reaches the striking circle. So, if we get a long ball which comes in, having a player positioned in the vicinity of the circle who can try and create a goalscoring chance favours the team," Mandeep Singh explained.

"Even if we cannot create a goalscoring chance, we can manufacture a PC - and with one of the world’s best drag-flickers in the team, (Harmanpeet Singh) it can reap rich dividends," said the striker who was part of Indian's bronze-medal-winning side at the Tokyo Olympics.

The Indian men's hockey team would be keen to make the most of their fearsome counterattacking skills during their Paris 2024 campaign.

"Understanding is the key between strikers of any team" - Mandeep Singh

Mandeep Singh relishes his role as a senior striker alongside Lalit Upadhyay, Gurjant Singh, Abhishek and Sukhjeet Singh., all of whom have the ability to create havoc in the opposition circle.

The ever-cheerful player from Jalandhar stressed that the camaraderie and understanding between the Indian strikers extends well beyond the hockey pitch.

"Understanding is the key between strikers of any team. The understanding and camaraderie exist during our training sessions, during a match, and also when we are off the field as well," Mandeep Singh disclosed.

Mandeep, who also combined well with the likes of Ramandeep Singh and Simranjeet Singh in the past, divulged that team spirit has been a constant among the strikers despite changing personnel.

"So, whether now or in the past, as a team we have continued to have an understanding between ourselves as strikers. Even with our eyes closed, we should be able to know where a fellow striker is positioned so as to direct an accurate pass," Mandeep Singh stated.

"For instance, I know from before what position Abhishek will take up when we advance – and that helps us during speedy attacks," he revealed.

The Indian men's hockey team will face New Zealand on Saturday, July 27 before taking on Argentina a couple of days later.