New Delhi: Despite the festival occasion in the air and harsh winter, India’s forward player Ramandeep Singh is spending plenty of time on the hockey turf and not leaving any stone unturned in his preparation for the most-competitive hockey league – the Hero Hockey India League 2015, which will start on 22nd January 2015.
After finishing 4th position at the Hero Men’s Champions Trophy 2014 recently and being an integral part of Asian Games Gold medal-winning team, Ramandeep has now shifted all his focus to the upcoming Hero HIL 2015, where he will represent Uttar Pradesh Wizards where he is gearing up to rub shoulders with top international players including Eddie Ockenden of Australia, Jeroen Hertzberger of the Netherlands along with India’s VR Raghunath and PR Sreejesh.
Realising the way the game is evolving, Ramandeep knows that he still has to work hard to make his place in the playing eleven, where he has to compete with forward players like Nikkin Thimmaiah, SK Uthappa and Nithin Thimmaiah, who have to their credit of four, three and two goals respectively in second edition of the Hero HIL.
Speaking on the all important League, Ramandeep Singh said: “This season will be tougher than the previous two editions as the best players of the world will feature in the Hero HIL and all teams will fight for the top honour. My team-mates of UP Wizards are also working very hard and this time, all of us want the team to finish in the top two. Though we have a decent rotation system and our coaching staff try to give opportunity to each player, I still have to work and make my place in the forward line-up. I would say it is healthy competition among the players and it helps us to improve our capabilities.”
Speaking on the new team member PR Sreejesh, “I am very delighted to see PR Sreejesh in our team. He is a very hard-working and motivational player, who creates a positive atmosphere in the dressing room. His presence in the team will surely solidify our defence line-up and enhance our chances to reach the final of the Hero HIL 2015.”
The 3rd edition of the Hero Hockey India League will start from the 22nd January 2015 and Uttar Pradesh Wizards will play their first match on 23rd January against defending champions Delhi Waveriders in Lucknow. The opening day of the League will witness Kalinga Lancers taking on Ranchi Rays in Bhubaneswar.
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