The 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games have reminded us that sports are not a definite mathematical equation, but rather an unsure science with every permutation and process yielding new results. The Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams exceeded their Olympic finishes by winning silver and bronze medals, respectively. In this article, we highlight the players who shone for India during the Games.
Rupinder Pal Singh scored 10 goals in the recently concluded CWG
Rupinder Pal Singh scored 10 goals in the recently concluded CWG
The top spot in this list goes to the man who was India’s highest scorer in the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Rupinder Pal Singh. He scored an impressive 10 goals in the tournament, which included a hat-trick against Malaysia in the group stages and a crucial brace against Great Britain in the bronze medal match.
Rupinder is one of India’s most experienced defenders and has been a regular member of the Indian team since making his debut in 2010. His drag flicks are lethal, and he is often called upon to take the responsibility of scoring from penalty corners. But what makes him stand out is his ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions and tackles in the defensive third.
At 32, Rupinder is one of the senior members of the Indian team and has played a crucial role in the team’s recent successes. With his impressive performances in the Birmingham Games, he has shown that he still has a lot to offer to Indian hockey.
Harmanpreet Singh, the vice-captain of the Indian team, is a defender who also looks to score for the team. He was the highest goal-scorer for India in FIH Pro League and scored a total of nine goals in the Birmingham Games, thus ending the tournament with the second-most goals. Singh has been an irreplaceable player for the Indian squad, and his good form with a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics made him one of the biggest stars of India’s campaign in the 2022 Birmingham Games.
Salima Tete, who hails from Jharkhand’s Simdega, scored three goals in the competition, including a stunning solo goal in the bronze medal match against New Zealand. Tete’s skill, speed, and game sense make her a valuable midfielder for India. Despite not being a regular goal-scorer, coach Schoppman has confidence in her, which speaks volumes about her improvement. At only 20 years old, Tete has played 65 matches for the Senior Indian Team and is a future leader.
Manpreet Singh, the captain of the Indian men’s team, is the glue that holds the team together during crunch moments. Singh’s speed, strength, and game intelligence make him an all-rounder, and he can perform various duties on the field. Despite not scoring a goal, his rock-solid defense and ability to stitch new moves make him a valuable asset to the team.
Gurjit Kaur, the only specialist drag-flicker in the women’s team, is a vital player for India. If Kaur scores, India wins, and if she fails, her team suffers. She has proved her prowess in the Olympics and continued to do so in the Birmingham Games. Kaur, who also teamed up with experienced campaigner and vice-captain, Deep Grace Ekka, in the backline, finished the competition with three goals to help India finish on the podium.
Harmanpreet Singh, the vice-captain of the Indian team, is a defender who also looks to score for the team. He was the highest goal-scorer for India in FIH Pro League and scored a total of nine goals in the Birmingham Games, thus ending the tournament with the second-most goals. Singh has been an irreplaceable player for the Indian squad, and his good form with a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics made him one of the biggest stars of India’s campaign in the 2022 Birmingham Games.
