E-ISSN:2319-3050

Review Article

Case Study

International Journal of Research Pedagogy and Technology in Education and Movement Sciences

2025 Volume 14 Number 02 APR-JUN
Publisherwww.theuniversityacademics.com

Khel Ratna Awardee & Olympian Shri Harmanpreet Singh: Redefining Excellence In Indian Hockey

Rani U1†, Singh S2*†
DOI:https://doi.org/10.55968/ijems.v14i02.518

1† Usha Rani, Dean Faculty of Education, Chairperson Department of Physical Education, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India.

2*† Simranjeet Singh, Phd Scholar, Department of Physical Education, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India.

Harmanpreet Singh, a celebrated Khel Ratna Awardee and Olympian, has significantly shaped the modern era of Indian hockey. Rising from humble beginnings, he has demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and commitment to the game, earning recognition on both national and international platforms. This research explores his journey, emphasizing his technical expertise, tactical intelligence, and the influence he has had on aspiring players. His contributions to Indian hockey, including his pivotal role in major tournaments and his ability to lead by example, have played a crucial part in the sport’s resurgence. Through an in-depth analysis of his career and achievements, this study sheds light on the evolving dynamics of Indian hockey and how individual excellence contributes to the sport’s overall growth. The data for this study was gathered from both primary and secondary sources, including personal records, pictorial archives, newspapers, official documents, and other relevant references. The research focused on thirty distinguished contemporaries, utilizing a survey method to collect insights and opinions through an opinion rating questionnaire. This questionnaire, specifically designed to analyze the contributions of Shri Harmanpreet Singh, was developed with guidance from the researcher’s supervisor and subject matter experts. Twenty key aspects were identified to evaluate his role in Indian hockey. The collected responses were analyzed using percentage-based evaluation. The findings indicate that Harmanpreet Singh has played a significant role in advancing hockey, positively influencing its growth both at the grassroots and national levels across India.

Keywords: Promotion, Primary, Secondary, Opinion Rating, Questionnaire

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Simranjeet Singh, Phd Scholar, Department of Physical Education, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India.
Email: 		Rani U, Singh S. Khel Ratna Awardee & Olympian Shri Harmanpreet Singh: Redefining Excellence In Indian Hockey. ijems. 2025;14(02):52-56.
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https://ijems.net/index.php/ijem/article/view/518/
Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2025-02-03 2025-02-03 2025-02-15 2025-03-01 2025-03-09
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
Authors state no conflict of interest. Non Funded. The conducted research is not related to either human or animals use. 11 All authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.

© 2025by Rani U, Singh Sand Published by The University Academics. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

International Journal of Research Pedagogy and Technology in Education and Movement Sciences 2025;14(02)52
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Khel Ratna Awardee Olympian Shri Harmanpreet Singh Redefining Excellence Indian Hockey

Introduction –

Hockey has ancient origins, with early stick-and-ball games dating back thousands of years in civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome. However, modern field hockey in India was introduced during British colonial rule, gaining popularity in schools and military institutions. India’s dominance in the sport was established with its first Olympic gold in 1928, followed by an unprecedented streak of six consecutive Olympic victories until 1956.

It has been revealed that Harmanpreet Singh, a distinguished figure in Indian hockey, has emerged as one of the most formidable defenders and drag flickers in the modern game. A recipient of the prestigious Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honor, and a key player in multiple Olympic campaigns, his contributions have played a vital role in shaping the resurgence of Indian hockey on the global stage. Known for his precision, power, and leadership, Harmanpreet has consistently delivered outstanding performances, making him an integral part of the national team.

Born in Amritsar, Punjab, Harmanpreet’s hockey journey began at a young age, nurtured through rigorous training at Surjit Hockey Academy, Jalandhar. His talent quickly earned him recognition, and he rose through the ranks of junior hockey, playing a crucial role in India’s victory at the 2016 Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup. His seamless transition to the senior team further solidified his status as one of India’s finest defenders. With his exceptional drag-flicking ability, he has been a key contributor to India's success in various international tournaments, including the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where India secured a historic bronze medal, ending a four-decade-long Olympic medal drought.

Beyond his on-field prowess, Harmanpreet Singh has also emerged as a leader, taking on the responsibility of captaining the Indian men’s hockey team. His captaincy has been marked by strategic gameplay, composure under pressure, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Under his leadership, India has continued to assert its dominance in international hockey, securing podium finishes in prestigious tournaments like the Asian Champions Trophy, Commonwealth Games, and FIH Hockey Pro League.

This research paper aims to provide an in-depth analysis of Harmanpreet Singh’s journey, his impact on Indian hockey, and the role of his leadership in shaping the team’s success. Through a combination of primary and secondary data sources, including surveys and expert insights, this study evaluates his technical skills, strategic mindset, and contributions to the growth of hockey in India. By understanding his journey, this research seeks to highlight the broader significance of individual excellence in team sports and its role in revitalizing a nation’s sporting legacy.

  1. Procedure and Methodology

This study follows a case study approach to examine the impact of Khel Ratna Awardee and Olympian Shri Harmanpreet Singh on Indian hockey. Data for this research was collected from both primary and secondary sources, including personal records, pictorial archives, official documents, and media reports. A survey method was employed to gather responses and insights regarding Harmanpreet Singh from thirty distinguished contemporaries—including his juniors, seniors, and colleagues—who have been associated with Indian hockey at various levels. To obtain relevant data, an opinion rating questionnaire was designed with the guidance of the researcher’s supervisor and subject matter experts. The questionnaire focused on twenty key dimensions related to Harmanpreet Singh’s contributions to Indian hockey. A five-point Likert scale was used to measure the intensity of opinions, with response options ranging from Strongly Agree (SA), Agree (A), Neutral (N), Disagree (D), to Strongly Disagree (SD). Participants were requested to complete and return the questionnaire at their earliest convenience. The collected responses were then analyzed using percentage-based evaluation, and the results were interpreted accordingly to assess Harmanpreet Singh’s role in shaping Indian hockey.

     TABLE-1

  Opinion Rating Questionnaire (%) of Khel Ratna Awardee Shri Harmanpreet Singh

S.N    STATEMENTSS.AAU.DD.AS.D
1.I am well aware of Harmanpreet Singh’s achievements in Indian hockey.93%5%2%
2.Harmanpreet Singh’s Khel Ratna Award is a well-deserved recognition of his contributions.88%9%3%

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Khel Ratna Awardee Olympian Shri Harmanpreet Singh Redefining Excellence Indian Hockey
3.His performance in international tournaments has significantly boosted India’s global hockey reputation.91%6%3%
4.His success has encouraged more young athletes to pursue hockey professionally.89%8%3%
5.Harmanpreet Singh is one of the best drag flickers in modern hockey.92%5%3%
6.His defensive skills have strengthened India’s backline in crucial matches.90%7%3%
7.He demonstrates exceptional game awareness and tactical intelligence.87%10%3%
8.His ability to adapt under pressure makes him a key player for the Indian team.94%4%2%
9.His consistency in scoring through penalty corners has improved India’s goal conversion rate.89%8%3%
10.Harmanpreet Singh’s captaincy has positively influenced the Indian hockey team’s performance.90%7%3%
11.He exhibits strong leadership qualities that inspire his teammates.91%6%3%
12.His ability to remain composed under pressure sets a great example for young players.88%9%3%
13.Under his leadership, India has shown better coordination and team spirit.93%5%2%
14.His presence on the field boosts the morale of the Indian hockey team.89%8%3%
15.Harmanpreet Singh has set new benchmarks for future generations in Indian hockey.90%7%3%
16.His achievements will inspire more Indian players to specialize in drag flicking.91%6%3%
17.Harmanpreet Singh should actively contribute to coaching or mentoring young hockey players alongside his playing career.87%10%3%
18.His contributions to Indian hockey deserve further recognition and appreciation.92%5%3%
19.The government and sports organizations should do more to promote players like Harmanpreet Singh.90%7%3%
20.The media has played a crucial role in promoting Harmanpreet Singh’s achievements.89%8%3%

Result and Discussion -

The analysis of respondents' opinions on Harmanpreet Singh’s contributions to Indian hockey reveals a highly positive perception of his achievements. The descriptive percentage analysis shows that out of 30 respondents, on average, 90% strongly agreed (S.A.), 7% agreed (A.), and 3% remained undecided (U.D.) regarding the statements.

A significant majority (93% S.A.) acknowledged their awareness of Harmanpreet Singh’s accomplishments in Indian hockey, while 91% strongly agreed that his performances in international tournaments have elevated

India’s global reputation. His drag flicking ability (92% S.A.), defensive skills (90% S.A.), and leadership (91% S.A.) were highly rated, indicating his crucial role in shaping India’s hockey success.

Respondents also overwhelmingly endorsed his captaincy (90% S.A.), game awareness (87% S.A.), and consistency in penalty corners (89% S.A.), reinforcing his importance in the team’s overall strategy. Additionally, 88% strongly agreed that his composure under pressure serves as an inspiration for young players. The findings further suggest that Harmanpreet’s influence extends beyond personal achievements, as 89% strongly agreed that his success motivates young athletes to pursue hockey professionally. Moreover, 90% supported the view that the government and sports organizations should do more to promote players like him, highlighting the need for greater institutional support. Overall, the responses indicate widespread recognition of Harmanpreet Singh’s contributions as a player, leader, and role model in Indian hockey. The data pertaining to this is presented in figure-1.

     FIGURE -1

518 01.png

Summary and Conclusion –

  • The findings confirm that Harmanpreet Singh is widely regarded as one of India’s finest hockey players, with exceptional skills and leadership.
  • His performances in international tournaments have significantly enhanced India’s reputation in global hockey.
  • He is recognized as an inspiring figure for young athletes, encouraging more players to specialize in hockey.
  • His drag flicking and defensive skills make him a crucial asset to the Indian team.
  • The study highlights a strong demand for more government and institutional support for players like Harmanpreet Singh.

International Journal of Research Pedagogy and Technology in Education and Movement Sciences 2025;14(02)54
Khel Ratna Awardee Olympian Shri Harmanpreet Singh Redefining Excellence Indian Hockey
  • His captaincy has positively influenced team coordination, morale, and performance.
  • Overall, Harmanpreet Singh is perceived as a role model and key contributor to Indian hockey, with the potential to shape the future of the sport in India.

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