'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Rupinder Pal Singh was a bundle of nerves when he strode out to take the decisive penalty stroke that enabled India to pull off a podium finish in an FIH tourney after a gap of 33 years. The 25-year-old Faridkot-born fullback was overjoyed when he breached the defence of Dutch goalkeeper Pirmin Blaak to trigger wild celebrations at the Sardar Vallab Bhai Patel International Stadium in Raipur.
Rupinder, who is nicknamed ‘Bob’, spoke about India’s fabulous win and much more in an exclusive interview.
Excerpts:
Q What was going through your mind when you strode out to take the decisive penalty stroke after Manpreet Singh’s final shootout attempt was fouled by the German goalkeeper?
A: Obviously I was pretty nervous going for that stroke – as you must have seen I took my time to take it as I was trying to read the movements of the goalkeeper. I was really pleased to convert for my team.
Q India have won a medal at an FIH-sanctioned event after a gap of 33 years. How significant is this win for Indian hockey?
A: Winning an FIH medal is always special and it has come after such a long time, which only enhances the significance of it. I’m sure this bronze medal effort will lift Indian hockey to new heights in future.
Q Indian team have always shown that they find it hard to come back if they concede a few early goals but this was a fighting win as we kept bouncing back both in regulation time as well in the shootout.
A: I’m thinking we are improving all the time. There is a lot of self-belief in the side than before and I feel we are mentally very strong.
Q There is still plenty of room for improvement – India allowed the Dutch to make it 5-5 in the final two minutes after leading 5-3. Your thoughts.
A: There is always room for improvement in international hockey. We will work on our weaknesses in the coming months so that we are ready for the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Q India showed great intensity at the world league save for the opening game against Argentina. What went wrong for India in that game?
A: I think we came out with a plan against Argentina but we could not quite executive our strategy against them. They came hard at us but we pulled up our socks after the first game and finished with a bronze medal.
Q Corporate houses haven’t announced any cash awards for the bronze-winning performance. Save for Hero MotorCorp, who have contributed immensely for Indian hockey, not many are keen to offer their sponsorship hand.
A: Corporate houses must come forward as it will motivate us to strive even harder. More corporate aid will boost the game in the country.
Q Your were initially not among Delhi Waveriders’ three retained Indian players for the 2016 Hockey India League but later purchased for $68,000.
A: I’m excited about playing for Delhi Waveriders again. Our HIL camp will begin in New Delhi from January 7 and I am looking forward to it.
