Bhubaneswar: Simranjeet Singh couldn’t have asked for a better beginning as the midfielder netted two goals in India’s 5-0 thrashing of South Africa in their opening Pool C encounter of the Men’s Hockey World Cup here at the Kalinga Stadium, Wednesday.
“It’s a great feeling to be a part of the Indian team at the World Cup. This is an opportunity I was waiting for the last two years. It’s a dream for every player to represent his country at the World Cup and Olympics and I consider myself lucky to have got that opportunity to play at the marquee event in front of my home crowd,” the 21-year-old said in a video tweeted by Hockey India (HI).
“It’s a great opportunity for me as a player to develop myself as the best players of the world are coming and playing against them I will get to learn a lot of things. I will give my best shot on the field and help the team win.”
India will next play Belgium December 2 who had a hard time in scrapping past minnows Canada 2-1 in the tournament opener earlier in the day. Simranjeet, cousin of Gurjant Singh (who didn’t find a place in the WC team), also revealed that he has always admired Barry Middleton who is also in the city as a part of the England team.
“I have always followed Barry Middleton when I am playing deep midfield. He has got so much of experience with him and it’s just a treat to eyes when he plays,” he added.
Talking about his chemistry with teammate Mandeep Singh, Simranjeet said, “We do share a great chemistry but it is better off the field than on the field.”
“The best thing I like about us is our eye-to-eye connection and that is because we started playing together when we were in Class VI or VII. We know where and when to release the ball and when to receive the ball and in the process we have developed a great understanding.”
When asked about their approach in the tournament, the Punjab-born lad replied, “We are treating World Cup as a normal tournament. We are not going to take any extra pressure and will give our best on the field.”
