Prince Deep Singh: Rising Star of Indian Hockey Prepares for HIL 2026

Prince Deep Singh's Journey to HIL 2026

New Delhi, Dec 18: After showcasing his skills at the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup, where he played a pivotal role in securing a bronze medal for India, goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh is stepping into the Hockey India League (HIL) 2026 with renewed confidence. The Tamil Nadu Dragons' goalkeeper was instrumental during the tournament, making vital saves, particularly in the shootout against Belgium during the quarterfinals.

Reflecting on his experience, Prince Deep shared, “This tournament has significantly boosted my confidence. Playing in front of a large home crowd and receiving their cheers while making saves was incredibly motivating.”

He recounted the shootout moment, stating, “Seeing so many fans supporting me pushed me to perform. After saving the fourth shot, the crowd's reaction elevated my confidence. When the fifth shot came, I was determined to stop it, and I managed a double-save, which became a memorable highlight.”

As he prepares for the HIL, Prince Deep will reunite with the Tamil Nadu Dragons, teaming up again with the renowned Irish goalkeeper David Harte, with whom he shared the field last season. Discussing Harte's impact on his development, he remarked, “He is among the best goalkeepers globally. He taught me how to manage pressure effectively. Previously, I would commit too early, but he advised me to stay on my feet and react at the last moment. Training alongside such a talented player is invaluable, and I look forward to learning more from him.”

Prince Deep emphasized that observing Harte during practice sessions helped him enhance his fundamental skills and decision-making. “I would watch him closely to understand his approach in various situations. He always emphasized the importance of staying calm during penalty corners, as pressure can be overwhelming. He advised me to eliminate negativity and focus solely on my performance on the field,” he explained.

Since last season, Prince Deep believes he has made considerable strides, thanks to consistent international exposure and extensive training at national camps under the guidance of PR Sreejesh, the former Indian goalkeeper and current head coach of the men's junior team. Sreejesh played a crucial role in helping Prince Deep secure medals in two significant tournaments—silver at the Sultan of Johor Cup and bronze at the recent Junior World Cup.

“My game has evolved significantly. I used to feel anxious during matches, but now I approach them differently. My last two tournaments were successful. Coach Sreejesh always advises me to focus on the process rather than the outcome, to make fundamental saves, communicate effectively on the field, and stay engaged in the game,” he noted.

Both Sreejesh and Harte are celebrated figures in international hockey, having faced each other in major tournaments and played together in the early seasons of the Hockey India League in 2014. Prince Deep acknowledged the similarities in their coaching styles, stating, “Both have taught me how to manage pressure and maintain composure. They emphasize making decisions with conviction. If a goal is conceded, it’s crucial to quickly move on and concentrate on the next play. Their focus on decision-making and defensive positioning is invaluable.”

Addressing the Tamil Nadu Dragons, Prince Deep expressed disappointment over their semi-final exit last season but remains optimistic about the upcoming campaign. “We made some errors last time, and we aim to rectify those this season. The majority of the team remains intact, and our training camp will commence soon. We have a well-balanced squad, and everyone is committed to improving from last year,” he stated.

As the Hockey India League approaches, Prince Deep anticipates that the competition will be thrilling, especially since he will face off against his Junior World Cup teammates. "I am familiar with their playing styles, strengths, and weaknesses, making it exciting to compete against them in the league. This season promises to be exhilarating,” he concluded with enthusiasm.

The Men's Hockey India League 2026 is set to kick off on January 3rd, with the Tamil Nadu Dragons facing the Hyderabad Toofans in Chennai for their opening match.