I used insights gained as reserve to fire in actual play: Simranjeet on Tokyo Olympics star turn

Waiting on the sidelines can sometimes be a blessing in disguise, feels Indian hockey team mid-fielder Simranjeet Singh, who credits the insights he gained as a reserve for his sensational performance during the Tokyo Olympics, including a brace in the historic bronze medal match.

Appearing as a special guest on Hockey India's podcast series 'Hockey Te Charcha', Simranjeet shared some insights into his eventful career and the Tokyo Olympic campaign.

Talking about his big break into the senior side, Simranjeet credited the seniors for guiding him and sharing useful tips which he still follows to this day.

He recalled the influence that stalwart Sardar Singh had on his early days in the team.

"Sardar Singh played in the same position as me. He was someone I always looked up to and I eagerly listened to his advice," said Simranjeet.

"He always told me to make the most of every chance I got and to never let them go to waste. He reinforced in me the desire to give 100 per cent at every camp and show the selectors my hunger to be in the team, every single day."

Simranjeet's Olympic journey is nothing short of a fairytale.

He went from the sidelines as a reserve player to taking centre stage with two goals against Germany in the bronze medal match.

He was not a part of the original squad of 16 announced earlier in June.

"Like every player, I felt I deserved to be a part of the 16-member squad, especially because I knew the coach had faith in me. But I was confident that no matter which 16 were selected, they had the capability to get a medal and that was our focus.

"When I got to know that the reserves were also travelling to Tokyo, at first, I couldn't believe it. But when it sunk in, I knew that now, despite being a reserve, I would get at least one chance to play. I was determined to make the most of it."

Being on the bench for the first two games was no excuse for Simranjeet to stop working hard. He astutely utilised his vantage point to analyse the opponents and prepare himself for his breakthrough opportunity.

"I analysed New Zealand and Australian teams from the sidelines, constantly trying to figure out what I would do better in the situation and how I could make an impact in that position. These small observations really helped me later in the tournament," he recalled.

When he got his chance, Simranjeet hit the ground running, instantly making an impact in crucial games.

Though he missed out on playing the semifinal, he was geared up for the bronze medal match, eager to make a mark.

"Before that match, we were aware that this was our last chance to win a medal for the country. The senior players sat us down and told us that this was our only shot to turn our struggles over the last two years into something worthwhile. Their motivational speeches gave us a huge boost.

"So, our morale before the match was high and we were quite self-confident," he said.

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