It came as a pleasant surprise for the former Chandigarh Hockey and Football Academy trainee Gagandeep Singh when he was picked for $23,000 in the Hockey India League (HIL) auction by the Mumbai franchise during last December. Gagandeep was so overwhelmed with his selection that he did not even tell his parents about it, fearing that they won’t believe him. As days progressed and the feeling sunk in, a thrilled Gagandeep informed his folks about his selection. With the Hockey India league already in progress, Gagandeep’s parents based in Bhadal Thua village near Sirhind, will not only see their son playing hockey on television but also see him rubbing shoulders with the likes of Sandeep Singh, Glenn Turner and Indian goal-keeper PR Sreejesh.

Speaking with Sportline, Gagandeep expressed excitement and eagerness on taking part in the HIL. He said, “I am really looking forward to take part in HIL and absorb all the exposure. For a youngster it is a great opportunity for me, to have got the chance to play along side such established and knocwn players. I have grown-up seeing some of the players, so I am excited to with them in the dugout as well on the field. Such a format would be tough and challenging but I am sure when the tournament takes momentum everyone would get into the mode and get going. If I get to play in few matches, I am sure the level of my game will raise and improve. This tournament will provide a perfect platform to all the participating teams.”

The 18-year-old fullback was a member of the Indian junior team which won a silver medal in the Sultan Johar Cup at Malaysia in Novermber last year and he scored a goal against Malaysia in the league stage of the tournament. A native of Bhadal Thua village near Sirhind, Singh learnt hockey under coach Rajinder Singh Tiwana before he joined the Chandigarh Hockey and Football Academy.

The stint at the Chandigarh Hockey and Football Academy saw the youngster playing a vital role in Chandigarh’s U-17 title win in the 2009 National School Games. Two years later, Singh steered the Chandigarh U-19 team to a title win in the 2011 School National Games before he shifted base to Haryana. The lanky lad then helped Haryana win a bronze medal in the junior nationals in Lucknow in 2011.

“I was lucky to have trained at the Chandigarh academy. I got many chances to play in the national level tournaments and also win them. When you are part of the winning teams at the junior level, your confidence grows. It prepared me for the Indian junior team. We had senior players like Rajpal Singh, Dharamveer Singh and many more who went on to play in the senior team, it was a motivating factor for us. I was lucky to train under coach Jasbir Singh Bajwa. It was unfortunate that he died before I made my international junior debut for the Indian team,” said Singh. Mumbai Magicians will face Delhi Wave Riders in their opening match in Delhi on Wednesday and Singh’s former coach at the CHFA Gurminder Singh believes that the format of the league will suit the youngster’s game. “He is a very talented player and learns things quickly. His main target would be next year’s Junior World Cup to be held in India. We have seen juniors like Akashdeep and Gurmail doing well for the Indian senior team. I think a fine performance in the league can also hand him a spot in the senior team,” felt Gurminder.