Despite their disappointing sixth place finish, India have one reason to cheer. Young drag-flicker Rupinder Pal Singh has been included in the Azlan Shah XI for this year. He is the only Indian to make the grade in the squad that is dominated by non Asians. Rupinder has scored six goals in the tournament and was effective in the deep defence as well.
Not only that, second honour waited for him in the impressie closing ceremony when he was jointly declared with Sohail Abbas as the joint top scorer, and thirdly best depender of the tournament also.
The 22-year old youngster, employed with the Indian Overseas Bank in Chennai, had been part of the When asked how it felt like receiving an award along with super hero Sohail Abbas, the youngster had to say this”, apna Jugrag bhi kisi se hum nahi hai”.