Sandeep dedicates win to selfless Sunil

By Sandeep Narayan in New Delhi

THERE was a sombre tone in his voice when he started to speak about India’s victory.

Known for his calm demeanour, India’s hockey captain Sandeep Singh, however, was expected to show a little bit of emotion, given the occasion.

A moment’s silence and then he explained why the victory was more than him, more than winning, in fact even more than reviving hockey in India. No, this time they were being a bit selfish… and had every right to be.

“ One of our teammates, SV Sunil’s father passed away before the tournament and being the army man he is, Sunil decided to miss the final rites of his late father and came straight to Ipoh,” Sandeep told M AIL T ODAY after India beat Malaysia in the Azlan Shah Cup final on Sunday.

“ This win is for Sunil. We wanted to win this tournament for him, because he lost so much and despite that, he played in the tournament. If that is not dedication, then I don’t know what is?” Sandeep’s tenure as captain seems to have taken off in the right direction and if India keep the momentum going, then Sunday’s victory could be the stepping stone to greater achievements.

In fact, the skipper isn’t doing too badly himself. With six goals in the tournament, he was the highest scorer of the meet and also was adjudged the player of the tournament.

“ I can’t take all the credit. I know I did well and also won a lot of awards, but this was a team effort. To think this was Dilip ( Tirkey) bhai’s 406th match is just mind boggling.

He has given so much to the sport and to the country, I think this win was as important to him as it was to me,” Sandeep added.

Uncertainty had returned to the Indian camp after they drew with Egypt in their first match and people thought their campaign would end soon, despite the weak field in this year’s meet.

Coach Harendra Singh feels that barring some games, India struggled in some games and this victory shouldn’t be blown out of proportion.

“ We played well and this victory was important for us.

But this doesn’t mean that Indian hockey is back at its best. We have to take things step by step. This win means that we are moving in the right direction and our next target will be the Asia Cup,” Harendra said.

The Asia Cup is an important event for Sandeep as well, as it will enable India to book a berth for the 2010 World Cup.

“ I know as hosts we get to play in the 2010 World Cup, but if we secure a berth by winning the Asia Cup, then that will be much better,” said Sandeep.

The Asia Cup will also be played in Malaysia, but there India will face a tougher and much experienced field as compared to Azlan Shah.

sandeep.narayan@ mailtoday.in

Courtesy: mailtoday