Junior World Cup Lessons Shape Goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh’s Growth in HIL
R. RAGU via The Hindu
For Prince Deep Singh, the packed stands and high-pressure moments of last year’s Junior Hockey World Cup proved to be a turning point. Now 21, the young Indian goalkeeper says the tournament became a vital learning experience that shaped his mindset and performance. Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing Hockey India League (HIL) on Tuesday, Prince reflected on how handling pressure in front of large crowds has helped him mature as a player.
“The first thing I learned was how to handle pressure in front of such a big crowd,” Prince said, adding that goalkeepers must remain calm even when the team is trailing.
Key Moments
Prince acknowledged that for goalkeepers, mistakes are often magnified. However, guidance from his idol and junior India coach P.R. Sreejesh has helped him develop mental resilience. He said the biggest lesson was learning not to dwell on errors.
“If one goal happens because of my mistake, I should not think too much about it. I should think about the next save,” he explained. Prince also highlighted the importance of being mentally switched on from warm-up onwards and constantly communicating with defenders to stay involved in the game.
Handling penalty corners, he noted, requires a different kind of focus and preparation, something he continues to refine.
Reactions and Mentorship
Prince credited David Harte, his Tamil Nadu Dragons teammate in the HIL, for sharpening his shootout skills. According to Prince, delaying the attacker and not committing early has been a key technical lesson. He added that Harte emphasises having “zero negative thoughts” and focusing only on positive actions once on the field.
Impact
Two seasons in the HIL have significantly boosted Prince’s confidence. Regularly facing elite drag-flickers and attackers has accelerated his development and mental toughness, preparing him for higher levels of competition.
Conclusion
Clear about his ambitions, Prince said his immediate goal is to break into the senior Indian team, while his long-term dream remains unchanged. “I want to win an Olympic gold,” he said.
Our Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople
Prince Deep Singh’s journey highlights how exposure to pressure-filled environments like the Junior World Cup and HIL can fast-track a young athlete’s growth. With strong mentorship and a focused mindset, he represents a promising future for Indian hockey between the posts.