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Earlier this month, the team returned to the Alps, accompanied by mental conditioning expert Paddy Upton , who had initiated the exercise in 2024. With India beginning their World Cup campaign against Wales on Aug 15, TOI takes a look at the key players… 1 drag-flicker. With more than 260 international caps behind him, he will also be expected to lead from the front as India chase their first World Cup podium finish in 51 years. Manpreet Singh The midfielder became India’s most-capped player, with 413 appearances, during the FIH Pro League in June. Manpreet has chosen to shut out the noise and focus on being fitter and sharper on the field While questions over the 34-yearold’s place have grown. His ball control and ability to operate in the attacking third make the 23-year-old a vital cog, particularly when India deploy their full press. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines Shilanand Lakra Hailing from Odisha’s Sundergarh, one of India’s traditional hockey hotbeds, Lakra has been among the more consistent performers in India’s forward line over the past 18 months. HS Mohith A calm temperament and sharp reflexes, particularly during penalty shootouts, have helped fast-track the 24-year-old goalkeeper’s career.
So that when we come to the actual, predictable hockey environment that they are used to, they’ve got some perspective around pressure, fear and managing themselves. It is about how they manage themselves so that when the tournament begins, their focus is on the preparations in the buildup and not other factors. BENGALURU: Ahead of the Paris Olympics, the Indian men’s hockey team underwent a gruelling boot camp at adventurer Mike Horn’s base in the Swiss Alps. Upton believes such experiences are vital to helping players deal with pressure, fear and uncertainty. The last six months have been difficult for the team, with results that have not met expectations. It’s not about switching off; it’s about being realistic that the months leading up to a big tournament will always have challenges and difficulties, both on the field and off the field. They are trained to accept those challenges, difficulties and distractions. They embrace the fact that tough situations are a natural part of life and handle them individually and collectively as a team. Each youngster is unique. Some are excited about the first opportunity, and some see it as a pressure situation where they need to prove themselves. We work with each one to help them manage themselves. Harmanpreet Singh The Indian captain is also the leader of the defensive unit and the team’s No. Having worked extensively on his fitness over the past season, Harmanpreet will be a key factor for Craig Fulton’s side. He will be closely watched in what is likely to be his fourth and final World Cup. Rajinder Singh The attacking midfielder has come into his own over the past season. Hailing from Sant Nagar in Haryana’s Sirsa district — also the home of former India captain Sardar Singh — Rajinder is a skillful player with a sound instinct for the game. With speed and skill as his biggest weapons, Rajinder will look to make his World Cup debut count. His ability to create space in tight situations, evade defenders and deliver precise passes has made him a valuable asset. The Karnataka player is set to make his World Cup debut, with Suraj Karkera providing the other goalkeeping option. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
Excerpts from an interview: The trip to Switzerland had a similar high-level objective as we had before the Paris Games, and that was to take players outside of their comfort zones to really challenge them in ways that would be challenging beyond a hockey field and a big game. His absence was felt in midfield when he was left out of the opening rounds of the Pro League earlier this year. After impressive outings at the Asia Cup and Sultan Azlan Shah Cup last year, he was one of the brightest performers in an otherwise underwhelming Pro League campaign this season. Mohith impressed at last year’s Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and during India’s Pro League matches against Australia earlier this season.