Target is to score more goals in Olympics: Sandeep Singh

Bangalore: After excelling in the Olympic qualifiers in New Delhi, ace Indian dragflicker Sandeep Singh has now set a target of scoring more goals in the upcoming London Olympics in July.

"I had set a target to set more goals in Olympic qualifiers and will continue to do so in London Olympics and do well to see India through in the mega sports event," said Sandeep, who scored five goals in the finals of Olympic qualifiers against France. He was speaking on the sidelines of a function organised by Hockey India (HI) to felicitate Team India`s performance in Olympic qualifiers in February. On playing hockey on the blue turf with yellow balls, Sandeep said his team had not played on it but would know the difference only after playing couple of matches. He, however, said the team was not much worried about the blue or green turfs and they were mentally prepared to take on the field and play for win. "On earlier occasions we have played on various turfs in different countries and performed well," he said. Asked if the present set of coaches and physios had made any difference in Team India`s performance, Sandeep said "We are playing attacking and aggressive hockey." Asserting that the team would go all out for a win, he said one thing etched in Team India`s mind was that `no mercy` would be shown to any side. In the programme organized at The Lalit Ashok, HI honoured all the 18 players of the winning Olympic Qualifying team and presented Rs 1 lakh, in addition to one Ipad, to each of them. HI also felicitated the support staff of the winning team and presented each with Rs 50,000 and one Ipad. HI President Mariama Koshy, Secretary General Narinder Batra and Senior Vice-President Pratap Satpathy was present on the occasion. Mrs Jyotsna Suri, CMD, Hotel The Lalit also honored all the players of the Olympic Qualifying team with Rs one lakh each, while each member of the support staff was presented with Rs 50,000. PTI