With all the big boys rested, Harmanpreet Singh will lead the charge of Indian team in the upcoming Olympic hockey test series event in Japan. The 23-year-old from Amritsar made his national debut in 2015 on the back of impressive performance in Hockey India League for Dabang Mumbai, which came way before he played the Junior World Cup of 2016 in Lucknow where Harjeet Singh led side triumphed in the finals against Belgium.
Senior pro like skipper Manpreet Singh, Chinglensana Singh and Birendra Lakra, the selection committee decided to hand the captaincy band to Harmanpreet. The Amritsar lad is the frontline drag flicker of the team and is rock strong in the defense. 
Singh said that he is excited to lead the charge of the team and feels honoured and the team will leave the country with the intent to win the trophy. Its worth mentioning that- New Zealand, Malaysia and hosts Japan are the other three competitors in the tournament.
“When I was told that I would be leading the team, it was a pleasant surprise. It is an honour and big responsibility. I am excited and looking forward to the challenge,” said the 2016 Olympian.
“Malaysia, Japan and New Zealand are good teams to play against and see where we stand as a unit ahead of the Olympic Qualifiers. Malaysia recently beat Germany in a match and Japan too are doing well while New Zealand is coming into the event with good exposure from the FIH Pro League,” Harmanpreet Singh was quoted as saying by a report published in India.com.
“In the absence of senior players who are rested, it is important we step-up our game. We are well-prepared, having attended a special goalkeepers camp and defenders camp. We will be playing every match with the intent to win,” Harmanpreet added.
The tournament will commence on 17th August and will conclude on 21st August.
