Sandeep Singh sets his sights on the 2015 Hockey India League title

Sandeep Singh of Punjab Warriors sends out a warning to rivals

New Delhi, December 18 (IANS)

Still smarting from his side Punjab Warriors' loss in the summit clash of the Hockey India League (HIL) last year, veteran penalty corner specialist Sandeep Singh on Thursday promised to come out all guns blazing in the third edition of the league starting January 22, next year.

Sandeep scored 11 goals in the tournament last year, but his side lost the final via penalty shoot-out to Delhi Waveriders. The 28-year-old had also topped the scorers' chart in the inaugural edition of the league while playing for the now-defunct Mumbai Magicians.

“Hockey is a team game and everyone needs to contribute”

"As you know the HIL 2015 will start next month, some of the players have already started preparing for it. I am currently working on various skills, sharpening myself in penalty corners and trying some new shots," Sandeep said.

"However, hockey is a team game, where everyone needs to contribute to win a match. Last season, we lost in the final, so this year, my only aim is to score maximum goals and lift the trophy. I am looking forward to the tournament."

Sandeep also forms an integral part of the Warriors' defence, which includes world champions Australia's skipper Mark Knowles and Christopher Ciriello.

The Punjab side also has big names like the five-time International Hockey Federation (FIH) Player of the Year Jamie Dwyer, Australian strikers Kieran Govers and Simon Orchard, Indian forward S.V. Sunil, former Argentina captain Lucas Rey and Dutch goalkeeper Jaap Stockmaan.