Jugraj Singh optimistic about bright future of Rupinder Pal Singh
Jugraj Singh, the seasoned former Indian drag-flicker, is quite optimistic about the future of newly revealed short-corner master, Rupinder Pal Singh, saying that he would be a star hockey player in the coming years.
Jugraj failed to continue his career, after he met a severe accident back in 2003. In a very short-span of time, the Punjabi short-corner master established his dominance over the field and donned the colours in many international tournaments.
Though he could not continue his professional career, he is seeing his replacement in the form of youngster, Rupinder Pal Singh. He believes that the variations and accuracy in the shots would definitely workout to make Rupinder an outstanding drag-flicker.
Speaking to the media, the veteran player stated, “What works for Rupinder is his accuracy and variations. He listens to a coach and carries out every instruction that he is given. Strength and anticipation of the goalkeeper and defenders' movements
are his other merits. He will be the star of the future.”
He further listed out some merits of Rupinder saying that he was also good at the defence, particularly denying short-corners. Rupinder’s anticipation was outstanding on the field as he approaches the ball quite swiftly. Jugraj, while suggesting the
youngster, asked him to keenly focus his eyes on the ball in order to get the control. He further said that though the Indian team earned only a few goals through penalty conversions in the 20th edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup,
but most of the scoring came through Rupinder Pal Singh.
It is worth mentioning here that Rupinder was the top scorer of the tournament along with Pakistani short-corner master Sohail Abbas. Both set the pace with six goals each in the seven-nation invitational.
The former drag-flicker held a meeting with the newly appointed Indian coach, Michael Nobbs, to discuss the role of drag-flickers in the squad. In the meeting, both participants also discussed the number of drag flickers in the team. Jugraj stated,
“We have eight now and most probably, as the number of probable players is cut to around 30 we will need four.”
Jugraj also pointed out negative aspects of the current drag-flickers, saying that they had dearth of accuracy in their shots. In his views, the short-corner masters should focus on the point and where to hit the shot. He also expressed satisfaction
saying that he got positive improvements in this area.
Applauding the improvements in the defence of Rupinder, the former drag-flicker was on to say that their hard-work is delivering results, as Rupinder Pal Singh received three Best Player Awards in the Azlan Shah Tournament.
Jugraj also appraised the role of former and current players in bringing improvements in his game. He paid tribute to Baljit Singh Dhillon, Cedric D'Souza, Taeke Taekema, Bram Lomas, Jorge Lombi, Sohail Abbas and Troy Elder.
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