After winning successive bronze medals at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, the Indian men’s hockey team has shown their strong foundation and they have it in them to go for a gold in four years’ time in Los Angeles, feels the world renowned explorer Mike Horn.

The Swiss motivational coach’s intense three-day mental toughness boot camp in the Alps pushed Harmanpreet and Co to their limits, in adventure tasks that also helps in coming out of their comfort zones and also form strong bond .

“The bronze they won is a reflection of their dedication, and I believe they have set a strong foundation for future success, including the possibility of going for gold in the next Olympics,” Horn told PTI in an interview.

“The team’s performance was exceptional, and they indeed came very close to clinching a gold medal. They showed remarkable skill, strategy, and mental toughness throughout the tournament.

“While they didn’t secure the gold, the fact that they were so close is a testament to their hard work and determination.

“It’s important to recognise that winning a medal, especially at the Olympics, is an immense achievement,” added Horn, known for his work with MS Dhoni’s 2011 World Cup-winning team, Kolkata Knight Riders in their 2014 IPL victory, and Germany’s 2014 football champions.

India started their campaign with a rusty win over New Zealand before they gradually started to find rhythm.

Their biggest win in the group stage came when they defeated Australia for the first time in 52 years.

Their true mental fortitude and team bonding came to fore when they defeated Great Britain in a shootout, despite being reduced to 10 players early in the second quarter.

“I followed their journey at Paris 2024 very closely, and I was genuinely impressed by their resilience and how they handled the pressure. They have so much to be proud of, and it was an honour to be a small part of their journey,” said the 58-year-old said.

The bootcamp was packed with extreme adventures, from walking on Glacier 3000, the highest peak of the Alps, to sleeping on grass — an experience that India defender Amit Rohidas had described as extremely back-breaking.

“They came into the camp with an incredible mindset, ready to push themselves and grow as a team,” recalled the 58-year-old.

“I would like to think that the bootcamp contributed in some way to the team’s success, but the real credit goes to the players and their relentless hard work and dedication.

“The bootcamp was designed to challenge them, and they responded brilliantly, but ultimately, it was their commitment and teamwork that shone through during the Olympics.” Horn also had special words of praise for skipper Harmanpreet whom he described as “all time greats”. Harmanpreet was the top-scorer of the Olympics with 10 goals.

“What impresses me most about Harmanpreet is his ability to lead by example. He’s not just a great player but also someone who inspires his teammates to elevate their game.

“His leadership was crucial to the team’s success, and he has undoubtedly cemented his place as one of the all-time greats in Indian hockey,” Horn said. He also said it’s “hard” to see that PR Sreejesh won’t be there at the goalpost.

“Even though this was his last appearance for Team India, he played with the passion and intensity that have defined his entire career.

“During the bootcamp, Sreejesh was a pillar of strength for the team — his experience and leadership were invaluable, and he set the tone for the younger players.

“Considering his contributions to Indian hockey, it’s hard not to wish he would continue. However, if this is indeed his final chapter, he leaves behind a tremendous legacy that will inspire future generations of players,” he said.

Horn also spoke about newly-appointed India cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir and recalled how he made the difference at KKR with his strategic acumen and game-reading skills.

Gambhir began his stint with a 3-0 thrashing of Sri Lanka in the T20Is, but suffered a 0-2 defeat in the ODIs.

“Gambhir’s transformation from a successful KKR captain to a title-winning mentor has been remarkable. As a captain, Gambhir was known for his strategic acumen and ability to inspire his team. He led by example, showing immense dedication and resilience, which were key to KKR’s successes.

“Transitioning to a mentor role, Gambhir continued to be a significant influence. His deep understanding of the game and experience in handling high-pressure situations provided invaluable guidance to the team.

“He was able to connect with the players on a personal level, offering insights and support that went beyond just technical advice.

Working with Gautam was a special experience. His passion for the game and commitment to excellence were truly inspiring.

“He has a unique ability to read the game and anticipate challenges, which made him an exceptional mentor. His presence and leadership helped foster a winning mentality within the team, proving that his contributions are vital whether on the field or off it,” he signed off.

Indian players celebrate the bronze medal win against Spain in Paris on August 8, 2024.
| Photo Credit: Reuters

A look at the 16 hockey players who powered India’s campaign, along with coach Craig Fulton, in Paris:

Goalkeeper: P.R. Sreejesh (Matches: 336)

The 36-year-old was the hero in the bronze medal match against Spain on Thursday, effecting crucial saves in the dying minutes of the game. He was in the forefront in the quarterfinal against Great Britain too when the team won the shootout. The custodian had 62 shots fired towards goal and saved a staggering 50!

Defender: Jarmanpreet Singh (M: 114)

Jarmanpreet, in his Olympic debut in Paris 2024, made his maiden senior international appearance in the 2018 Champions Trophy where India finished second.

Defender: Amit Rohidas (M: 191)

Rohidas is a vital cog in the backline and the first rusher during penalty corners. He also played in Tokyo.

Defender: Harmanpreet Singh (M: 227)

The skipper, defender and penalty corner specialist is regarded as one of the best drag-flickers in the world and he proved it in Paris as he scored 10 goals, seven from penalty corners.

Defender: Sanjay (M: 43)

A member of 2022 Asian Games-winning squad, he is the second drag-flicker in the team.

Defender: Sumit Walmiki (M: 142)

He was part of the Indian squad which won the 2016 Junior World Cup and made his senior debut at the 2017 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

Midfielder: Rajkumar Pal (M: 62)

After making his international debut in February 2020 in the FIH Pro League, he was instrumental in India claiming a bronze in the 2021 Asian Champions Trophy and 2022 Asia Cup.

Midfielder: Shamsher Singh (M: 103)

Having made his first push for India seniors in the 2019 Ready Steady Tokyo hockey tournament, he was a crucial member of the side that won the bronze in the Tokyo Olympics. He also featured in the 2022 Asian Games gold medal triumph.

Midfielder: Manpreet Singh (M: 378)

One of the most experienced members in the squad, he led the team in Tokyo. At the 2014 and 2022 Asian Games, he was part of the Indian team that won gold.

Midfielder: Hardik Singh (M: 142)

Trained by his uncle and former India drag-flicker Jugraj Singh, his senior debut came in the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy when India took the gold. He was also in the team in Tokyo and Hangzhou.

Midfielder: Vivek Sagar Prasad (M: 151)

In January 2018, the 17-year-old became the second youngest to don the India colours. He won the FIH Rising Star award in 2019 and was named the FIH Young Player of the Year in 2020-21.

Forward: Abhishek (M: 82)

His international journey began in February 2022 in the FIH Pro League and he figured in the victorious 2022 Asian Games campaign.

Forward: Sukhjeet Singh (M: 78)

He scored six goals in his maiden tournament (2022-23 FIH Pro League) and was part of the team in Hangzhou. He scored the second equaliser for the side during the 3-2 loss to Germany in the semifinals in Paris.

Forward: Lalit Kumar Upadhyay (M: 176)

A part of the team at the Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 Asian Games, he is one of the most experienced players in the squad.

Forward: Mandeep Singh (M: 252)

In Paris, he scored the team’s first goal during the 3-2 win over New Zealand in the first group match. He was also part of the bronze-winning squad in Tokyo and the gold-winning team in Hangzhou.

Forward: Gurjant Singh (M: 124)

A part of the Indian squad which won gold at the 2016 Junior World Cup, he rose in the ranks to feature in the golden campaign at the 2022 Asian Games. He was instrumental in India finishing on top in the 2018 and 2023 Asian Champions Trophy.

— Compiled by Nihit Sachdeva