Quotes of All Topics . Occasions . Authors
Both players and coaches take time to understand each other. Frequent changes bring that rapport to square one.
Winning for your country in the Olympics is the ultimate dream for any sportsperson, and I am determined to do it.
Any new coach takes about six months to adjust to the system, and players also need time to understand his methods.
I love experimenting and doing new things in life, and if things fall into place, I'm ready to take up acting, too.
The success or failing in one competition doesn't define you, and that is one thing that any sports would teach you.
Hockey is my first love, and I devote most of my time to hockey only. But if I get time, I won't mind working in films, too.
My brother Bikramjeet supported me on every step in life. He put the blinkers on my eyes and taught me to focus on my goals.
We have always been taught that hockey is our national game, but it is only in general knowledge books and not on official papers.
I have worked on my defense skills and played in the midfield as well. Coaches are preparing players to play at any given position.
As a team leader, I have always told my team to never give up. Analyse why you failed so that, next time, you know what should not be done.
I want to work on players at school and college level. I will not open an academy but looking to work with the government and Hockey India.
My target is to score in every match here at the 2012 Olympics. I am hoping to land on target with my penalty corner shots at crucial moments.
If I could have played in the qualifying rounds for the Beijing Olympics, the result could have changed. India would have booked the Olympics berth.
During my playing days, when I used to see the repeat telecast of my matches, I used to feel bad on hearing criticism of my game by the commentators.
In 2001, '02, and '03, our forward line had Gagan Ajit, Prabhjot, Deepak, who were playing together since junior days. Their coordination was terrific.
Jugraj helped me improve my scoring ability from drag flicks, and Dilip Tirkey helped in my defence work. I can say that I have improved with their help.
I have no problems with the blue astro-turf. I have got used to it, and I believe that we have got sufficient games to get accustomed to playing on blue turf.
Because of so much fastness in the game, those who play hockey and those who have knowledge about it, they enjoy the game. But the normal public doesn't like it.
I know everyone wants to see India winning on home soil, be it in hockey or cricket. But sometimes with expectations come pressure, which can affect our performance.
I know hockey is not as popular as cricket in India, but I hope in future, every renowned hockey player should be given a fitting farewell rather than ignoring them.
My brother, who is four years older to me, not only inspired me to take up hockey but also taught me every trick of the game. I give all credit to him for my success.
We need variations, variations in not just attempt but in flickers' attempts as well. I mean, a flicker needs to use different angles, pace to keep the opposition defence guessing.
The government is supporting the injured athletes for their recovery in every aspect, but I feel if we have a world-class rehab facility in India, then there is no need to go abroad.
I remember how I, too, was part of the Azlan Shah tournament for the first time in 2005. After that, I went to the Junior World Cup. I remember how much I benefited from the exposure.
My idea behind the film was to show the struggles an athlete continually endures. There is always a story behind a successful sportsperson. In 'Soorma,' we have tried to recreate that.
HIL has provided a wonderful platform for Indian youngster to showcase their skills, gain experience of playing top players, and can be serve as a good supply line for the national team.
A competitive HIL can do wonders for India hockey. The tournament will promote young talents and give them the opportunity to play alongside and against some of the best in the business.
I am very excited to be a part of 'Roadies Real Heroes,' as it has been one of my favourite reality shows, and I am now ready for an adventurous journey as one of the gang leaders on the show.
People who know the game of hockey, who followed hockey, they know who Sandeep Singh is. They know I have been Indian Hockey team's captain, but they don't know about the struggle and the life after being shot.
There are times when new players replace injured players in the national squad. Since the new players don't have enough experience and match practice at the international level, they seldom play under a lot of pressure.
Delhi is special for me because I made my world record here. We were playing against France at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium when I hit the fastest drag-flick in the world during the London Olympics qualifications in 2012.
I was on the wheelchair for six months and lost all hope of returning to the field. I thought my career was over, but my brother kept on encouraging me. 'All that you need to do is to be resolute to return to the field,' he said. These words turned out to be magical.
When 'Soorma' was first discussed with me, 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' was fresh in my memory because when I saw it and saw the hard work that went into making Milkha Singh an iconic figure, I felt that a biopic should also be made highlighting the odds that I've fought to make it so far in life.
We used to live in Patiala in the early '90s. I was hardly six or seven, can't remember the exact age. There was a devastating flood: at least four feet water was inside the house. For good 14-15 days, we survived without proper food. Probably this was the incident that triggered our willpower.
Diljit Dosanjh has been the best choice for playing me on screen. He has given a tremendous performance with true emotions and actions. He has not only delivered my feelings for each and every moment during my struggle post my injury but also worked hard to portray my personality as a hockey player.
Like cricket has their 'A' team that plays against other international 'A' teams and get exposure. Hockey should also have a similar development squad, which can play in non-premium international tournament, while the national team plays in bigger meets. This way, we will have players ready with international exposure.
I still remember the time when I visited the wax museum in London. While there were statues of many sports personalities, including that of Sachin Tendulkar, I didn't see a wax figure of any hockey player. I was a little disappointed at that time, and I hoped that one day, at least in India, someone would make a wax statue of a hockey player.