Get to know... Hardik Singh

Hockey player Hardik Singh (@HardikRai16) talks about the high point of his life — his Olympic wins — and his starstruck moment with basketball legend Pau Gasol

Get to know... Hardik Singh

Currently I am

Preparing for our upcoming friendly matches in Ireland, as well as the Asia Cup in September.

High point in life

Winning the Olympic medal for India in 2021, after 41 years, and the medals that came back to back (India won a medal in 2024 also).

Low point in life

My injury in the 2023 World Cup.

On my playlist

Karan Aujla’s Who They?; Sidhu Moose Wala’s 295, Karan Aujla’s Champion’s Anthem.

On my speed dial

My mom.

Today I’m craving

Pancakes and kheer.

Next big splurge

Shoes from the Nike X Dior collab.

Last thing I ordered online

Biryani.

App I check before going to bed

Instagram.

Advice I’d give my 18-year-old self

Do whatever you are passionate about and don’t worry about the future.

A secret skill I have

I’m an excellent driver.

A magic tool I wish I had

A mind-reading device.

My favourite Sunday memory while growing up

Going to the hockey field with my father.

My most star-struck moment

At the Olympics, I played with basketball player Pau Gasol, Kobe Bryant’s teammate. I am a big fan of Kobe. I was so nervous!

My favourite bad habit

I can’t resist sweets. Luckily, I have a fast metabolism.

If I could travel back or forward in time, I’d…

I would go back to early 2000s. It was a good time.

A trait I despise in people

Burping while eating.

I won’t leave the house without…

My phone.

The best thing about fame

Attention.

The worst thing about fame

Attention.