'We Must Act Like Athletes': India Midfielder Hardik Singh Rules Out Handshake Snub Against Pakistan

Last Updated:March 30, 2026, 15:29 IST

Hardik Singh reflects on leading India in the FIH Pro League, HIL fatigue, senior player controversy and upcoming high tension clashes vs Pakistan.

Star Indian midfielder Hardik Singh was handed the responsibility of leading the team during the Hobart leg of the FIH Pro League, less than a week after India had lost all four of its games in the Rourkela leg. The team conceded a staggering 19 goals in four games against Belgium and Argentina.

Regular captain Harmanpreet Singh missed the Hobart leg due to personal reasons, leaving Hardik with a significant responsibility. The campaign began with a 0-2 defeat to Spain, followed by a narrow 4-5 shootout loss to hosts Australia and a 3-4 shootout defeat to Spain.

However, India ended on a positive note with a 3-1 shootout win against the hosts.

Reflecting on a difficult month in which India won just one of eight matches, Hardik told News18 Sports, “It was definitely challenging for us, with back-to-back commitments – the Cape Town tour followed by the HIL. It was tough, but that is part of our job, not an excuse. Even though we did not win, we gave it our all, and that effort matters.

“When we went to Australia, our mindset was clear: play 110 percent hockey, focus on our game, and let the results take care of themselves," he added.

The 2025-26 Hockey India League season ended on January 26, while the Pro League began on February 11 – a tight turnaround that Hardik believes impacted the team’s preparation.

“I feel we were not fully prepared, as the HIL schedule was quite demanding. But again, that is part of our job. When we train, understand what needs to be done, and execute it, that is when we truly fulfil our role. I believe we have the potential to be the best team in the world," he said.

On whether the schedule could be better structured to allow recovery time between the HIL and the Pro League, Hardik remained pragmatic.

“I think it is possible. If it happens, great; if not, that is fine too. Honestly, whenever you wear the Indian jersey, it is never about being tired. There are so many people ready to take your place, and you have to remember that representing the nation is a privilege, not an excuse," he said.

The build-up to India’s Pro League campaign was marked by controversy.

Former captain Manpreet Singh, along with Dilpreet Singh and goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak, were dropped due to alleged disciplinary issues. Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey also suggested that some senior players had not been ‘consistent’ enough.

“I think it is just a matter of form. You cannot overlook a decade of hard work from some athletes; experience always counts. For juniors, it takes two to three years in the system to truly understand the value of representing India and the importance of these tournaments before they can give their best," Hardik said.

“At the end of the day, it is not about seniority; it is about fielding the best possible combination," he added.

Now a key member of the leadership group, Hardik also spoke about future leaders in the team.

“I think the junior team has a lot of promising players – Manmeet Singh and Prince Deep Singh – who could become future leaders in the senior side. It may not happen in four or five years; it could take seven or eight," he said.

“Meanwhile, Abhishek and Sukhjeet Singh have been performing consistently over the last three to four years. In midfield, Rajinder Singh has been solid, Vishnu Kant Singh has impressed, and Sanjay has been strong at full-back. Overall, these players are doing an excellent job," he added.

Looking ahead, India’s next challenges are the Rotterdam and London legs of the Pro League, starting June 14.

In London, India will face Pakistan in marquee clashes on June 23 and June 26, followed by a much-anticipated encounter at the FIH World Cup on August 19 in Amstelveen.

In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack in April 2025, relations between India and Pakistan have deteriorated, with tensions spilling over into sport – particularly cricket. The Indian cricket team has avoided interactions with their Pakistani counterparts, including customary handshakes.

Will hockey follow suit?

“No, we have not discussed that, but I believe that once you step onto the field, you must act like an athlete. Whatever the situation, refusing a handshake is not an option," Hardik said.

“If we do not shake hands, then let’s not tackle them either. On the field, we respect our opponents, they respect us, and together we showcase great hockey to the world," he added.

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