New Delhi | Rising Indian goalkeeper Princedeep Singh has set his sights firmly on the biggest stage in world hockey, declaring that his ultimate dream is to represent the Indian senior hockey team and help the country win a gold medal at the Olympics.
Hailing from a farmer family in Pathankot, 21-year-old Princedeep considers India’s bronze medal at the Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup 2025 in Chennai as his first major step towards establishing himself at the international level. Speaking candidly about his journey, Princedeep credited his joint family for instilling in him the courage to dream big and work relentlessly to achieve those dreams.
Princedeep said his father Balwinder Singh, who manages farming along with a small shop in their village Chauhan, and his uncle Rachhpal Singh played a key role in encouraging his hockey ambitions. “My uncle always believed I would make the family and the country proud, and that belief has given me strength,” he said.
His hockey journey began in 2015 at the Cheema Academy in Batala, where he initially played as a fullback. Owing to his tall frame, he later transitioned to the role of a goalkeeper, also gaining experience playing football in the same position. His skills were further honed at the Malwa Hockey Academy in Ludhiana and later at the RoundGlass Punjab Hockey Club Academy in Mohali, where he helped the academy win the Hockey India Junior Men’s Academy National Championship.
Princedeep went on to play a crucial role in Punjab’s bronze medal finish at the Khelo India Youth Games 2022 and featured in the 13th Hockey India Junior Men’s National Championship in 2023. Under captain Hardik’s leadership, he was instrumental in helping Punjab win the Hockey India Senior Men’s National Championship 2025 as a goalkeeper.
His international breakthrough came when he was selected among the 40 probables for the junior national camp in 2024. He was part of the Indian teams that won gold at the Junior Asia Cup 2024 and bronze at the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025.
Currently a BA first-year student at Amity University, Princedeep delivered standout performances at the Junior Hockey World Cup 2025 in Chennai. He played a decisive role in India’s quarter-final win against Belgium, producing crucial saves in the shootout after a 2–2 draw in regulation time. He followed it up with another strong display against Argentina in the bronze medal match, helping India secure a 4–2 victory.
Princedeep idolises Indian hockey legend PR Sreejesh, who is now the chief coach of the Indian junior team, and Australian goalkeeper David Hart. Like Sreejesh, Princedeep wears the No. 16 jersey and hopes to carve his own identity by following in his mentor’s footsteps.
“I believe in dreaming big and working with complete dedication to make those dreams come true,” Princedeep said. “My goal now is to break into the Indian senior team and win Olympic gold. Coach Sreejesh constantly reminds us that dreams should be big, and he personally guides me by correcting even the smallest mistakes during training.”
Princedeep also revealed that the ₹5 lakh he earned from playing in the Hockey India League (HIL) for Tamil Nadu Dragons—under the captaincy of drag-flick specialist Amit Rohidas and alongside emerging striker Uttam Singh—was handed over entirely to his father.
“I want to keep working with the same intensity and leave no stone unturned to reach the senior Indian team,” he said, confident that his journey has only just begun.
