Meet Jagdish Gill, the Canadian player who scored the second goal against India in the 49th minute. He is a Punjabi, born and brought up in Kolkata and studied in Bengaluru.
“I was born and brought up in Kolkata and spent my collage days in Bengaluru. My parents are still based in Punjab. I had shifted to Canada in 2004 in search of better opportunities,” says Jagdish Gill.
“My parents were all right with my decision. However, they did not shift as they wanted to stay in their own country. They don’t have a permanent citizenship of Canada but they keep shuttling between the two countries.”
The thirty-year old started playing hockey at an early age, but left it soon after to pursue studies. It was only after shifting to Canada that he resumed playing hockey.
“When in Canada, I found back my lost interest in hockey. I was playing after a gap of almost five-six years. I played there and gradually from club level went up the ladder to make it to the national team.”
So does he miss his country? “I went there in search of good opportunities. But, I do have a lot of friends in India. Whenever I go back, I make sure to visit all my friends. I even visit my college in Bengaluru. All this keeps giving me flashbacks of the country where I used to once stay.”
For Jagdish, playing against India is a special moment but like a true professional doesn’t want to go easy on India.
“It is always special to play against your friends. I have a lot of friends in the Indian team. But it can never be a friendly clash.”