Mandeep Singh's Journey from Cricket Aspirations to Hockey Stardom

Mandeep Singh's Hat-Trick Highlights India's Dominance

Mandeep Singh, an Indian hockey forward, showcased his skills by netting a hat-trick during India's impressive 13-0 victory against Bangladesh on the first day of the Asian Champions Trophy at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar on Tuesday. Interestingly, Mandeep once aspired to be a cricketer.

His father, Ravinder Singh, a passionate hockey fan, was adamant that Mandeep should follow in the footsteps of their family's hockey legacy from Mithapur.

Ravinder reminisced about Mandeep's early fascination with cricket, which developed when he played with friends. However, he made it clear that hockey was the path for his son, especially since Mandeep's grandfather and older brother were also hockey players.

With a chuckle, Ravinder recounted, “Dabka vi bada maareya si main ohnu ki hockey hi khedni hai.”

Having represented India in 302 international matches, Mandeep has participated in two Olympic Games and has earned bronze medals with the national team.

Mandeep shared a humorous memory, stating, “When I was young, I would tell my father I was going to play hockey, but instead, I started going to play cricket. One day, my father found out that I was not at the hockey ground, and then he came and gave me a good scolding. Jidda di daant payi mainu, ustoh baad te aana hi si hockey vaal.”

He reflected, “Te oh sabto vadiya decision si (After that scolding, I turned my full attention to hockey, and it turned out to be the best decision).” Mandeep believes that hockey is in his blood.

In the match against Bangladesh, Mandeep scored in the 3rd, 10th, and 54th minutes, marking a significant achievement as India kicked off their campaign with a commanding win.

India started strong, earning a penalty corner in the second minute, which captain Harmanpreet Singh converted with a drag-flick. Just a minute later, Mandeep received a pass from Harmanpreet at the circle's edge and skillfully beat the goalkeeper with a reverse hit to extend India's lead.

He netted his second goal in the 10th minute, finishing from close range after an aerial pass from Harmanpreet found Abhishek, who set it up perfectly. Mandeep completed his hat-trick in the 54th minute, further solidifying India's dominant performance.

Ravinder, who was present at the stadium to cheer for his son, recalled that Mandeep began his hockey journey at just four and a half years old at the Mithapur ground. He later joined the Surjit Hockey Academy while in Class VII, taking a significant step towards his sporting career.

Currently, Mandeep is focused on helping India retain the Asian Champions Trophy, especially with the tournament taking place on home soil.