Mandeep Singh, shot into the limelight with his exploits in the striking circle for Ranhi Rhinos, kept his trait of being a terror striker in the recent Asia Cup. Our www.stick2hockey.com reporter Tazeen Qureshy had a chat with him; tries to map the youngster’s mind morphology.
India has finally qualified for the World Cup. Are you satisfied with the team’s performance?
Yes, I am happy with the way we have performed. Before the Asia Cup, our captain Sardar paji had a talk with all the young players and told us this was a huge opportunity and we need to play our part well. I am glad we pulled according to the expectations of our seniors, and also the management.
You have earlier represented the senior team in Azlan Shah and World Hockey League, Round 2 and 3. But, in all these tournaments your HIL form was missing. With your performance in Asia Cup, do you believe you have regained the form?
I made my senior debut with WHL, R-1. At that time, I was new and less confident. Performance in Azlan Shah was satisfactory. But, with WHL, R-3 at Rotterdam, I began to gain confidence and started playing my usual game. I am satisfied with my performance in Asia Cup.
In fact, you made some really good deflections at the goalmouth in Asia Cup. Any special tactics for this tour?
I think my positioning was the key. Although, I missed converting on some occasions, I managed to score well. My main aim was to score goal or at least earn a Penalty Corner whenever the ball entered the D.
You paired with Ramandeep this time, a new comer, and you seem to gel well with him.
Ramandeep and I have played earlier in the junior team. We practiced a lot before Asia Cup which was visible in the tournament.
Your goal against Malaysia where you and Ramandeep collaborated to give a stunner. Wasn’t it similar to the goal in the Chak De movie?
I am still surprised at that goal. I was standing behind Ramandeep and had no clue he would pass it on to me. I got a hint at the very last moment and positioned myself accordingly. Ramandeep could have also scored had he tried. I give him all the credit for that goal.
Are you disappointed in.not winning the last match against South Korea?
I think we played well. Had that last Penalty Corner not conceded against us, we would have won the tournament.
Asia Cup was your first outing with Oltsman as the coach and MK Kaushik as Assistant Coach. How was the experience with them?
Both were very supportive. Oltsman sir had told us to forget everything and just play hockey. He was there for us everytime. Kaushik sir was helpful too. We wanted to win this tournamnet for both of them.
Which was your favorite match and favorite personal goal?
First match against Korea and semi final against Malaysia was good. I liked the goal I scored against Oman using a reverse flick.
Finally,your next target?
I will soon be joining the ongoing junior camp on Delhi for Sultan Johor Cup.