Manpreet Singh appeared in direction of the heavens, reminiscing his break simply earlier than the Hockey India League (HIL) started, and mentioned, “Oh! It was a wonderful time.”
Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh travelled to Oman and UAE together with his household throughout the break. (Instagram)
Ever for the reason that former India captain made his worldwide debut in 2011, he had by no means been given a month-and-a-half lengthy break. Prime Indian hockey gamers spend at the very least 300 days a yr – can rise to 330 in essential seasons – away from residence, both taking part in tournaments or in nationwide camps. Furthermore, these gamers additionally have to play home competitions for his or her employers or state federations when not on nationwide obligation.
Final yr too, after successful a successive bronze on the Olympics in August, Harmanpreet Singh and Co had been busy attending felicitation programmes. Even earlier than they knew it, they had been touring China for the Asian Champions Trophy in September, starting their new Olympic cycle. In October, the Indian workforce performed a bilateral sequence right here in opposition to reigning world champions Germany.
Therefore, breaks are elusive for prime Indian gamers and customarily final per week or two, making lately extraordinarily treasured. India chief coach Craig Fulton realised that his boys wanted, and deserved, a break after successive tournaments so determined to offer his wards the longest break of their skilled careers.
“Whenever I get a break I go home, spend time with my (three-year-old) daughter. I play with her, take her to school (pre-nursery) and bring her back. She likes that. When I am not there, she asks my wife where her father is and why am I not taking her to school,” says Manpreet, who’s captaining HIL franchise Gonasika.
Shorter breaks encourage the gamers to remain at residence and simply spend time with household. However since they’d an extended interval this time round, they determined to enterprise out and go on trip, even overseas, one thing which they hadn’t carried out with their households.
“I went to Thailand with my family. We needed it. It was very good. Then I was invited to attend local tournaments as chief guest where I shared my experiences with the kids and motivated the younger generation. It is important to give back to the sport,” mentioned Manpreet, who led India to the Tokyo Olympics bronze in 2021.
India skipper Harmanpreet travelled to Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
“It was a great time. We (wife and one-and-a-half year-old daughter) were together in Oman. Then we went sightseeing and did a lot of activities in Dubai. We didn’t do dune bashing in Dubai as my daughter is too young right now. But we had a great time together,” mentioned Harmanpreet, who’s captain of Soorma Hockey Membership.
“We don’t get such long breaks, at maximum, two weeks. It’s very important to refresh the mind. I needed it. Finally, I had time to spend with my family. It was very relaxing, especially mentally. After returning I stayed at home with my family and spent time with my friends. Our coach is very understanding who knows the needs and requirements of the players.”
India defender and Hyderabad Toofans skipper Sumit took two holidays, one with the household and one other with associates.
“I took my family to Haridwar for pilgrimage. Then with my friends I went to Shimla and chilled in the hills. It was relaxing. All the boys were busy at home, giving much required time to their families. When the break was ending, I was wishing it to be longer,” mentioned the two-time Olympic medallist.
India vice-captain Hardik Singh, alternatively, completed an necessary pending work.
“We built a new house, so I was busy with that. For the first time I experienced how to take care of the house; from water leakage to fixing tiles. I hosted a housewarming party too where most of my teammates came and we partied till the wee hours of the morning,” mentioned the UP Rudras skipper.