Captain Harmanpreet Singh declared that the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium is indeed “lucky” for Team India after the team’s triumphs in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2022–2023 home games against Australia, 5–4, and the current World Champions, Germany, by scores of 3-2 and 6-3.
“Here in Rourkela, we are pleased to maintain a spotless reputation. In this fantastic stadium, we have never dropped a game. The Birsa Munda Hockey Complex is unquestionably very fortunate for us. We want to go out there and win every game when you get so much love and support from the crowd “According to a press statement from Hockey India, the expert drag-flicker who scored twice in India’s nail-biting shootout triumph on Wednesday. India now leads the pool position in the FIH Hockey Pro League thanks to their outstanding performance in Rourkela, Odisha. The squad is currently in first place on the standings with 19 points after eight games, ahead of Spain (which has 17 points after eight games), and Argentina (which is in third place with 13 points after twelve games). Germany, the defending group champions, is now ranked fourth with 11 points after 8 games.
As a result of defeating teams rated higher than them, India has also risen in the FIH World Ranking. Prior to this year’s Pro League match, Germany was rated No. 1, Australia was ranked No. 4, and India was ranked No. 6 when they started their home campaign. The Indian team is now ranked fourth in the world, trailing only the defending World Champions Germany, which dropped to third in the most current FIH rankings.
“These things, like our global ranking, don’t seem to mean all that much to us. We don’t consider this when we compete. Our sole focus was on capitalising on our opportunities and maintaining pressure on the opposition. Some of the young people who had the chance to demonstrate their talent rose to the occasion and excelled both for themselves and the team, added Harmanpreet Singh.
Harmanpreet Singh, who currently holds the record for most goals scored in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2022–2023 with 11 goals, is followed by Alexander Hendrickx, who has scored six goals.