“I saw tough times, and there were many nights when I would just cry out aloud.”
― Sandeep Singh
“Cleanliness is important, and more than that is the physical fitness to attain healthy body and mind.”
― Sandeep Singh
“I owe my success to all my teammates. It is the result of the team work.”
― Sandeep Singh
“The success or failing in one competition doesn’t define you, and that is one thing that any sports would teach you.”
― Sandeep Singh
“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.”
― Sandeep Singh
“I don’t want sadness or happiness to affect my life.”
― Sandeep Singh
“I like to improve all the time and never let complacency creep into my system.”
― Sandeep Singh
“Hockey is my passion, and I cannot live without it.”
― Sandeep Singh
“We have always been taught that hockey is our national game, but it is only in general knowledge books and not on official papers.”
― Sandeep Singh
“All those who have played with me are aware that I am very strict when it comes to discipline and punctuality.”
― Sandeep Singh
“’Roadies’ tests your mental and physical ability in the most challenging way, and I have gone through this.”
― Sandeep Singh
“I think I am the first hockey player in India to have a wax statue of his own. It is a great honour.”
― Sandeep Singh
“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.”
― Sandeep Singh
“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.”
― Sandeep Singh
“As was shown in ‘Soorma,’ for me, my father and brother have been my heroes.”
― Sandeep Singh
“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.”
― Sandeep Singh
“The day you are content, you will stop growing.”
― Sandeep Singh
“I charged Rs 101 for the rights to my biopic.”
― Sandeep Singh
“For me, movie making is not business.”
― Sandeep Singh
“I am lucky to have a family like this who have motivated me throughout.”
― Sandeep Singh
“Hockey players are given as much respect as any other sportsperson in our country.”
― Sandeep Singh
“I think every sport has its own loyal audience.”
― Sandeep Singh
“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.”
― Sandeep Singh
“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.”
― Sandeep Singh
“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.”
― Sandeep Singh
“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.”
― Sandeep Singh
“It’s a great feeling to earn a place in the Olympics.”
― Sandeep Singh
“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.”
― Sandeep Singh
“I always try to give my best and improve my skills as per the changing trends of the game.”
― Sandeep Singh
“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.”
― Sandeep Singh
“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.”
― Sandeep Singh
“I feel many times we do all the hard work, but in the absence of smart work, we do not get the desired results.”
― Sandeep Singh
“I am enjoying playing as a full back, and I would like to continue in this position.”
― Sandeep Singh
“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.”
― Sandeep Singh
“India is known for hockey all over the world.”
― Sandeep Singh
“As a drag flicker, I have always strived that my team wins and comes on top.”
― Sandeep Singh
“There’s no point sulking for what has happened in the past.”
― Sandeep Singh
“Any player who is in a national team is their because he deserves to be.”
― Sandeep Singh
“In 2001, ’02, and ’03, our forward line had Gagan Ajit, Prabhjot, Deepak, who were playing together since junior days. Their coordination was terrific.”
― Sandeep Singh
“I have identified my weaknesses, and I am working on those.”
― Sandeep Singh
“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.”
― Sandeep Singh
“Whether I play for Ranchi or Delhi, I will give my hundred percent.”
― Sandeep Singh
“A competitive HIL means that India will be able to field a stronger team in the international tournaments.”
― Sandeep Singh
“I am a marquee player and certainly that means a lot of responsibility.”
― Sandeep Singh
“I never think that I’m the best flicker, but I practice to learn new things every day.”
― Sandeep Singh
“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.”
― Sandeep Singh
“I don’t just want to be a drag-flicker. I want to be become a complete hockey player.”
― Sandeep Singh
“If you are just a drag-flicker, you may some time be out of the team because you’re not performing well.”
― Sandeep Singh
“HIL is a boon for Indian hockey.”
― Sandeep Singh
“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.”
― Sandeep Singh
“HIL boasts of a high-class list of players and coaches like Ric Charlesworth, Barry Dancer, etc.”
― Sandeep Singh
“Ric Charlesworth is a legendary figure. He is one of the best coaches in the world.”
― Sandeep Singh
“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.”
― Sandeep Singh
“I just want our government to make a world-class rehab centre in the country for sportspersons’ recovery.”
― Sandeep Singh
“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.”
― Sandeep Singh
“When I had an accident in 2006, no one believed that I will return to the ground, but I did.”
― Sandeep Singh
“I have worked on my defense skills and played in the midfield as well. Coaches are preparing players to play at any given position.”
― Sandeep Singh
“Big wins give you confidence.”
― Sandeep Singh
“Both players and coaches take time to understand each other. Frequent changes bring that rapport to square one.”
― Sandeep Singh
“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.”
― Sandeep Singh
“Any new coach takes about six months to adjust to the system, and players also need time to understand his methods.”
― Sandeep Singh
“Indian coaches are strict on the field, but off the field, they take very good care of you.”
― Sandeep Singh
“I have specific plans. I have a lot of ideas, desi ideas, which I want to implement in coaching.”
― Sandeep Singh
“I want to work with Indian drag-flickers at the grass-root level and train them.”
― Sandeep Singh
“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.”
― Sandeep Singh
“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.”
― Sandeep Singh
“My mother says that I have abnormal capacity to tolerate pain. It’s the first step to win over adversaries.”
― Sandeep Singh
“I have met people who have called me the god of hockey, but in my head, I know who I am.”
― Sandeep Singh
“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.”
― Sandeep Singh
“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.”
― Sandeep Singh
“Hockey fascinates me more than anything else in life.”
― Sandeep Singh
“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.”
― Sandeep Singh
“My only ultimate aim is to bring back the lost glory of Indian hockey.”
― Sandeep Singh
“I love experimenting and doing new things in life, and if things fall into place, I’m ready to take up acting, too.”
― Sandeep Singh
“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.”
― Sandeep Singh
“Without trust, you cannot do anything.”
― Sandeep Singh
“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.”
― Sandeep Singh
“People have seen me on-field, but no one knows about my off-field life. People rarely know that personality of me.”
― Sandeep Singh
“Everybody has their own way and signature style to play the game.”
― Sandeep Singh
“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.”
― Sandeep Singh
“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.”
― Sandeep Singh
“I am a big fan of Diljit Dosanjh.”
― Sandeep Singh
“Hockey is a difficult and skill-based game.”
― Sandeep Singh
“I am a master of drag-drag-flick.”
― Sandeep Singh
“I think Hero Hockey India League is the world’s best hockey league.”
― Sandeep Singh
“I have gained experience over the years, but learning will keep happening in every game.”
― Sandeep Singh
“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.”
― Sandeep Singh
“Winning for your country in the Olympics is the ultimate dream for any sportsperson, and I am determined to do it.”
― Sandeep Singh
“The Olympic Rings tattoo has played its part and will continue to motivate me.”
― Sandeep Singh
“My priority is to perform the job for which I am in the squad.”
― Sandeep Singh
“I don’t think of myself as a lesser player.”
― Sandeep Singh
“If there is increased competition, it is only good for the team.”
― Sandeep Singh
“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.”
― Sandeep Singh
“I love this game too much to not give my best attempt.”
― Sandeep Singh
“It is very important to set yourself goals and work on them. It lifts your spirits and helps you focus.”
― Sandeep Singh
“You can not be in top five in Olympic after just one year’s preparation.”
― Sandeep Singh
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