Ramandeep (left) knows he has to work hard to make his place in the starting XI a permanent one.

India’s forward player Ramandeep Singh is leaving no stone unturned in his preparation for the Hero Hockey India League that starts later this month.

After finishing 4th position at the 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 HIL, 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 other forwards like Nikkin Thimmaiah, SK Uthappa and Nithin Thimmaiah. Understanding the competition within the team as well as in the League, Ramandeep is working on the physical and mental side of this game.

“This season will be tougher than the previous two editions as the best players of the world will feature in the 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.”

He also added that the presence of PR Sreejesh in his team will also be a big help. “I am 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.”

The 3rd edition of HIL will start from the January 22 with Uttar Pradesh Wizards playing their first match on January 23 against defending champions Delhi Waveriders in Lucknow.

Rupinder on toes

In that opening game against Waveriders, if Ramandeep has to score he will have to deal with team mate Rupinder Pal Singh. It will be a keen contest that will decide the game. Rupinder is eagerly awaiting the chance to display his proficiency and abilities alongside an experienced bunch of defenders like India’s Surender Kumar, Diwakar Ram, New Zealand’s Steven Edwards, Andrew Hayward and Australia’s Tristan White.

The 23-year-old drag- flicker has been a significant contributor to the Delhi Waveriders in both the seasons and playing a big role in steering his team to win the second season of the tournament. His aim along with the rest of the team is to retain the Champion Title and for which he is confident that is entire team will live upto the expectation. Rupinder Pal Singh is keen to share the field with Steven Edwards of New Zealand and Australia’s Tristan White who have successfully boosted the Waverider’s defence-line by working enormously on their defence skills.

“Playing for a team who has been the champions in the last season, I am much more confident and geared up to play our first match against Uttar Pradesh Warriors. With an advantage of a good defence line up, I am looking forward to a successful tournament for my team and aiming to retain the title. Under the very efficient leadership of Sardar Singh, supported by the brilliant Danish Mujtaba along with much experienced Gurbaj Singh, young Akashdeep Singh and Yuvraj Walmiki to name a few, I am anticipating a good game of hockey from my team. I am even waiting to play alongside Andrew Hayward who will be new to the team this year and going by his record it will be an experience for me to play with him.”