Chandigarh hockey trio enter the big league

Vaibhav Sharma

Tribune News Service

The hockey World Cup held in New Delhi in February-March was being looked at as the hope for a grand revival of the sport. While the result left a lot of hockey lovers disappointed, Chandigarh, the city beautiful, is keeping the hope alive. After producing talents like current captain Rajpal Singh and goalkeeper Baljit, three more city boys Dharamvir Singh, Preet Inder Singh and Rupinder Singh have been selected for the senior national camp for the Azlan Shah Tournament. All three are products of the Chandigarh Hockey Academy (CHA).

The three boys in question – Dharamvir Singh, Preet Inder Singh and Rupinder – had joined the academy in 2002.

“We have been dishing out talented players all through. These three players, who are exceptional in their own right, will surely carry forward the good work of their predecessors like Rajpal and Baljit. I have very high hopes from them,” said an elated CHA coach Jasbir Singh Bajwa.

Bajwa, who has been with the academy since 1987 also points out that CHA has been able to produce quality players only because they have always been provided with the best of facilities by the administration. Bajwa adds, “The diet, training equipment, lodging and facilities available with us are better than anything else in the region. The players revel with all these facilities and it makes performing on the field easier for them.”

Three to tango: A look in at the boys

Dharamvir

Position: right out
Strength: Speed, passing accuracy
Aim: to give India that added advantage with his strong wing play

Preet Inder Singh

Position: Centre half
Strength: Quick reflexes, ball control and distribution
Aim: Be the mid-field maestro the team has been looking for.

Rupinder Singh

Position: Defender
Strength: Excellent with drag-flicks, slick stick work
Aim: Wants to be the rock in defense and contribute with drag flicks too.