Rupinder Pal Singh gears up to extend Delhi's HIL glory

New Delhi, Dec 26 (IANS)

With the third edition of Hockey India League (HIL) fast approaching, penalty corner specialist Rupinder Pal Singh aims to deliver his best and help his team Delhi Waveriders defend the title. The Indian defender is bracing up dutifully to showcase a striking performance with the team's well-equipped defence line.

"Playing for a team who has been the champions in the last season, I am much more confident and geared up to play our first match against Uttar Pradesh Warriors," he said Friday.

Playing for Delhi consecutively for the third time, the 23-year-old is eagerly awaiting his turn to display his proficiency and abilities alongside an experienced bunch of defenders like India's Surender Kumar, Diwakar Ram, New Zealand's Steven Edwards, Andrew Hayward and Australia's Tristan White.

The 23-year-old drag-flicker has been a significant contributor for the Delhi team in both the seasons.

"With an advantage of a good defence line-up, I am looking forward to a successful tournament for my team and aiming to retain the title. Under the very efficient leadership of Sardar Singh, supported by the brilliant Danish Mujtaba along with much experienced Gurbaj Singh, young Akashdeep Singh and Yuvraj Walmiki to name a few, I am anticipating a good game of hockey from my team," the Faridkot lad said.

"I am even waiting to play alongside Andrew Hayward. He will be new to the team this year, and going by his record it will be an experience for me to play with him."

In the last edition, Rupinder scored six goals.