<p>Olympic-bound men's hockey team mid-fielder Hardik Singh had almost given up on his India dream and was planning to pursue a club career in the Dutch League before his former drag-flicker uncle Jugraj Singh stepped in to inspire him.</p>.<p>Hardik said he comes from a family that had hockey in its blood but he started feeling straight-jacketed due to limited opportunities at the top level.</p>.<p>His grandfather was a coach with the Indian Navy and his uncle Jugraj was a top-notch drag-flicker of the time.</p>.<p>The 22-year-old from Khusropur village near Jalandhar in Punjab said his "journey has been slightly different from my teammates."</p>.<p>"I was very lucky to be part of a family where Hockey was in our DNA. I was very fortunate to be around so many hockey players, I always got advice from all corners of the house and my family has had a huge impact on my career.</p>.<p>"As a 14-year-old, I moved to Mohali Hockey Academy for further training and quickly rose through the ranks.</p>.<p>"I also represented India in the sub-junior category, however, opportunities at the top level never came my way. In 2017, I was on the verge of giving up my dream of playing for India and almost decided to move to the Netherlands to play club Hockey," he said.</p>.<p>At this stage an inspiring intervention by Jugraj helped him get back the motivation.</p>.<p>"My uncle, Jugraj Singh made me sit and rethink my decision. Jugraj Paaji has been a huge influence in my life. He has mentored me in every part of my life and continues to do so," said the midfielder.</p>.<p>"After his suggestions, I put in more blood, sweat, and hard work. And finally, my hard work paid off as I was included in the core probable for the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy after winning the Player of the Series at a domestic tournament in Mumbai.</p>.<p>"Then, the 2018 World Cup happened which was like cherry on top."</p>.<p>Hardik says the Indian hockey team has a very healthy competition for places and he is determined to make it count at the upcoming Tokyo Games.</p>.<p>"I will give my 100 per cent to carry on with my family's legacy and make the whole country proud."</p>.<p>"It now feels great to be a regular part of the Team, well equipped in the midfield. There is a lot of competition for places in the midfield, but that only shows that our bench strength is very strong.</p>.<p>"We have built that fighting spirit over the past few months, and that is one of the key reasons for our resurgence," said the young mid-fielder. </p>
<p>Olympic-bound men's hockey team mid-fielder Hardik Singh had almost given up on his India dream and was planning to pursue a club career in the Dutch League before his former drag-flicker uncle Jugraj Singh stepped in to inspire him.</p>.<p>Hardik said he comes from a family that had hockey in its blood but he started feeling straight-jacketed due to limited opportunities at the top level.</p>.<p>His grandfather was a coach with the Indian Navy and his uncle Jugraj was a top-notch drag-flicker of the time.</p>.<p>The 22-year-old from Khusropur village near Jalandhar in Punjab said his "journey has been slightly different from my teammates."</p>.<p>"I was very lucky to be part of a family where Hockey was in our DNA. I was very fortunate to be around so many hockey players, I always got advice from all corners of the house and my family has had a huge impact on my career.</p>.<p>"As a 14-year-old, I moved to Mohali Hockey Academy for further training and quickly rose through the ranks.</p>.<p>"I also represented India in the sub-junior category, however, opportunities at the top level never came my way. In 2017, I was on the verge of giving up my dream of playing for India and almost decided to move to the Netherlands to play club Hockey," he said.</p>.<p>At this stage an inspiring intervention by Jugraj helped him get back the motivation.</p>.<p>"My uncle, Jugraj Singh made me sit and rethink my decision. Jugraj Paaji has been a huge influence in my life. He has mentored me in every part of my life and continues to do so," said the midfielder.</p>.<p>"After his suggestions, I put in more blood, sweat, and hard work. And finally, my hard work paid off as I was included in the core probable for the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy after winning the Player of the Series at a domestic tournament in Mumbai.</p>.<p>"Then, the 2018 World Cup happened which was like cherry on top."</p>.<p>Hardik says the Indian hockey team has a very healthy competition for places and he is determined to make it count at the upcoming Tokyo Games.</p>.<p>"I will give my 100 per cent to carry on with my family's legacy and make the whole country proud."</p>.<p>"It now feels great to be a regular part of the Team, well equipped in the midfield. There is a lot of competition for places in the midfield, but that only shows that our bench strength is very strong.</p>.<p>"We have built that fighting spirit over the past few months, and that is one of the key reasons for our resurgence," said the young mid-fielder. </p>