Captaincy a chance to improve leadership qualities, but focus remains on playing well: Jarmanpreet
When Jarmanpreet Singh was named the Delhi SG Pipers captain for the upcoming season of the Hockey India League, the experienced defender had his task cut out.
Having finished at the bottom last year with just one win, the team introduced wholesale changes both in the coaching staff and the squad.
The minimum target, this time, is a top-four finish. “We need to start with a win and maintain the momentum. When you get a leadership role, you have to hold the team together. It’s a good opportunity for me to improve my leadership quality. I believe responsibilities increase as a captain, but my main focus will be the same as when I play,” the 28-year-old told Sportstar.
While there are some big foreign names, Jarmanpreet is the seniormost Indian, barring Rupinderpal Singh, who was picked up during the auction, in a side that has retained its faith in a core of juniors.
“The last time we lagged in our finishing with field goals, so that is the important focus this year. We have a lot of good penalty corner specialists – Tomas Domene, Rupinderpal, Varun, and Rohith – but our main target is field goals.
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“I feel the new coach has a winning mentality, and it’s a good thing because the coach’s mentality will rub off on the players. We should do better than last time, try to come in the top four,” he added.
India is one of only three countries to begin its FIH Pro League campaign after the HIL, the beginning of a long and crucial calendar, and Jarmanpreet is aware of the demands on the body. “It is very important for a player to be responsible for his own fitness because it definitely affects your team.
“Proper rest, diet, preparations before a match, and paying attention to recovery are crucial. The HIL is also important for us; we can learn a lot about the mentality and way of play of the foreign players. So getting the balance right will be the key,” Jarmanpreet reasoned.
Published on Dec 21, 2025