For Sandeep, it’s guts and glory

14 Apr 2009, Biswajyoti Brahma,TNN

It’s redemption time for Sandeep Singh. After a tumultuous phase in his career, the national hockey captain seems to have hit a purple
Sandeep Singh

Sandeep Singh celebrates after he scored the first goal for India in a match against Pakistan during the Sultan Azlan Shah hockey match in Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur. (AP Photo)
patch, something which he believes is the outcome of his positive approach and some luck.

Basking in the glory of India’s triumph in the Azlan Shah Cup on Sunday, the drag-flicker is keen to move ahead in life after having experienced some real lows – getting seriously injured by a stray bullet while travelling in a train a little over two years back, and losing his place in the national team after making a spirited comeback.

“It was depressing. But it happens to everybody. I had full faith in God because whatever happens, happens for good. Even during those tough times I never lost hope,” Sandeep told TOI on Tuesday. “I wanted to come out of that phase quickly. I am happy I could do that.”

After the freak accident in late 2006, not many gave him a chance of coming back to top-level hockey. In fact, doctors told him that he won’t be able to hold the stick for years to come. But the gutsy sardar came out of that period with flying colours.

Sandeep was not too keen to talk about the period when he was forced out of the team by then coach Joaquim Carvalho over some “attitude problem.” But he’s happy to speak about the Azlan Shah success. “It’s a great feeling to win the title. I have a good team at my disposal.” He, however, added, “The coming days are going to be crucial for us.”

Talking about upcoming challenges, Sandeep said, “There is still some time to go for the 2010 World Cup. Our immediate focus is next month’s Asia Cup.”

Sandeep, a critical cog in India’s wheel, has become a better player in recent times for which he credits his coaches.

In the early phase of his international career, he often warmed the benches because his defending was suspect. But things have changed. “My coaches have worked hard on me. I too am putting in a lot of hard work,” he quipped. The result has been good for Sandeep, and India.

Courtesy: Times of India