Defender Rupinderpal Singh has grown in stature in last 18 months. The 23-year old penalty corner specialist is crucial to India’s success in the upcoming World Cup that starts from May 31 in The Hague (The Netherlands). The core probables for the World Cup are currently training at the Major Dhyan Chand National stadium here. After a practice session, the Faridkot-lad spoke to The Pioneer about the team’s preparation, his won game and expections. Excerpts.
The World Cup starts in three weeks. What are the areas the team is focusing on right nowIJ
At present, we are focusing more on improving our fitness. Apart from this, we are practicing to develop our overall game. We are having different sessions for goal-scoring techniques, possession play and other areas of the game. At such a big tournament, all the teams must have been doing some extra things and we are too doing some extra training and strategy going into the World Cup.
How much importance this tournament holds for youIJ
It’s my first major tournament and we as a team want to do well. I am very much excited to be part of it. I was not part of the Olympics squad and hopefully I will get the opportunity to be in the World Cup team. But more importantly, we need to do well as we represent Indian hockey team. Personally, I am more than eager to do well in the World Cup for the sake of my self-satisfaction.
Will India’s last-place finish in the 2012 london Olympics have any impact on the playersIJ
There are 10 players who are in competition for places in the World Cup team. Those players and rest of the boys are aware that India had a bad outing in the Olympics 2012. This time, everyone is looking forward to do well and is working hard for it.
How do you see India’s opponents in Pool A (Australia England, Belgium, Spain and Malaysia)IJ
We can’t afford to go by the countries’ reputations. We can’t take anyone lightly. We have to be ready for every challenge. We will take it match-by-match. We have to focus on our game first and then we need to worry about the opposition.
Do you have any target in mind for the teamIJ
I feel we can finish within top six.
Coming to your game, you have come a long way and have improved a lot in last 18 months or so. What is the reason of your recent successIJ
It is about putting things in a right way. As I continued to work hard and also kept on getting games regularly, my confidence grew. I think with more games and more confidence, my game improved.
18 months ago, experts used to rate you as a drag-flicker who rely more on force. With goals coming regularly from your stick, do you think you have shed that tagIJ
Penalty corner is about two things. One is accuracy and other is force. I am working seriously to gain more accuracy which will help me to be consistent.
Jamie Dwyer rated you as India’s best penalty corner and as you have made a name for yourself, Indians will expect you to deliver and your opponents will search for your weakness. How will you counter themIJ
It is the oppositions who will have to work on my weakness. As per my strengths and weakness are concerned, I will back my game and continue the good work.