Prince Deep Singh Gears Up for Hero Hockey India League 2026 After Junior World Cup Success
Prince Deep Singh's Journey to Confidence
New Delhi, December 18: Following an impressive showing 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 entering the Hockey India League (HIL) 2026 with renewed confidence. The Tamil Nadu Dragons' keeper made significant saves during the quarterfinal shootout against Belgium, showcasing his skills throughout the tournament, as highlighted in a release from Hockey India.
Reflecting on his experience at the Junior World Cup, Prince Deep expressed, "My confidence has soared after this tournament, especially performing well in front of a large home crowd. The cheers from the fans motivated me immensely whenever I made a save."
He recounted a memorable moment during the shootout, stating, "Seeing so many fans supporting me pushed me to stop the ball for them. After I saved the fourth shot, the crowd erupted, boosting my confidence even further. When the fifth shot came, I was certain I could stop it, and I did, making a double-save that became quite popular online."
Learning from Legends
As he prepares for the Hero HIL, Prince Deep will reunite with the renowned Irish goalkeeper David Harte, with whom he shared the dressing room last season. Discussing Harte's influence on his growth, Prince Deep remarked, "He is among the best goalkeepers globally. He taught me how to manage pressure, which is crucial for us. Previously, I would commit too early, but he advised me to stay on my feet and react at the last moment. Training with such a talented player is invaluable, and I look forward to learning even more from him."
The young goalkeeper emphasized how observing Harte during practice sessions helped him refine his fundamentals and decision-making skills. "I would watch him closely during drills to learn his techniques. He always emphasized staying calm during penalty corners, as the pressure can be overwhelming. He advised me to eliminate negativity and focus solely on my performance on the field," Prince Deep shared.
Growth Through Experience
Prince Deep believes he has made significant strides since last season, thanks to consistent international exposure and extensive training under the guidance of PR Sreejesh, the former Indian goalkeeper and current head coach of the junior team. This year, Sreejesh led Prince Deep to medals in two major international events: a silver at the Sultan of Johor Cup and a bronze at the Junior World Cup.
"My game has evolved considerably. 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 basic saves, communicate effectively, and stay engaged in the game," he explained.
Insights from Two Hockey Greats
Having trained under both Sreejesh and Harte, Prince Deep noted the similarities in their coaching styles. "Both have taught me how to manage pressure and maintain composure. They emphasize making decisions with conviction. If a goal is conceded, it’s important to quickly move on and focus on the next play. They both prioritize decision-making, defensive positioning, and staying calm under pressure," he stated.
Looking Ahead to the HIL
As the Tamil Nadu Dragons gear up for the new season, Prince Deep acknowledged the disappointment of last season's semi-final exit but remains optimistic. "We made some mistakes last time, and we’ll work on those this season. Most of the team remains the same, and our training camp is starting soon. We have a well-balanced squad, and everyone is committed to improving from last year," he said.
With the Hero Hockey India League set to commence soon, Prince Deep is excited about the competition, especially since he will face off against teammates from the Junior World Cup. "I know their playing styles, strengths, and weaknesses, so it will be thrilling to compete against them in the league. This season promises to be very exciting," he concluded with enthusiasm.
The Hero Men’s Hockey India League 2026 is scheduled to kick off on January 3, 2026, with the Tamil Nadu Dragons facing the Hyderabad Toofans in Chennai.