Jalandhar Man Makes It To NZ Men’s 35s Hockey Team

Hockey New Zealand recently announced the teams chosen to represent New Zealand at the Masters World Cup, set to be held in Cape Town and North Harbour later this year. Among these teams is the Men’s 35s category, which will be competing in Cape Town in October.

Harmandeep Singh, the sole Indian selected among 18 players, will be representing New Zealand in this category. Hailing from Jalandhar, Punjab, Harman arrived in New Zealand on a student visa in 2011, aiming to build a better lifestyle and support his family back home, consisting of three sisters, one brother, and his mother, after his father passed away in 2008.

“My father always supported and encouraged my passion for playing hockey back home,” Singh recalls. Despite concerns about losing touch with his sport while studying Business Management in New Zealand, Harman joined the Southern Hockey Club in Papatoetoe alongside his post-study job.

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Having played hockey since the fifth grade, Singh notes that while he has competed at the national level, this will be his first international representation. Despite facing adversity, Singh has remained dedicated to hockey, driven by his father's dream to see him excel in the sport.

Singh's hockey journey in New Zealand began with the Southern Districts Hockey club in Papatoetoe before he joined the New Zealand Punjab Hockey club. For the past three years, he has been playing for North Harbour Indians, which has further fueled his passion for the game.

Looking beyond the Masters World Cup, Singh is also preparing for the Australian Sikh Games in Adelaide, where he will represent the New Zealand Punjabi Club on March 29, 2024. 

“I have played many tournaments for New Zealand Punjabi Hockey Club, and it is my responsibility to represent the club with all my heart and energy,” Singh states.

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Hockey New Zealand fields teams across all age groups and genders, provided there are enough players of suitable quality available. The selection criteria for the Masters World Cup require players to participate in the National Masters Tournament or apply separately.

As the team prepares for the tournament in October, training sessions are held weekly. 

Supported by his coach, Paresh Bhikha from North harbour Indians hockey club, and his community, Singh has been preparing diligently for the upcoming Masters World Cup.

For Harman, balancing work and passion means practicing every Thursday for two hours, with an additional hour on Saturdays, along with gym sessions and a balanced diet.

The Masters World Cup is just one of the many platforms where he will showcase his talent, with the Australian Sikh Games also on his radar.