Everybody has their own way and signature style to play the game.
Sandeep Singh
Cleanliness is important, and more than that is the physical fitness to attain healthy body and mind.
I owe my success to all my teammates. It is the result of the team work.
I like to improve all the time and never let complacency creep into my system.
The success or failing in one competition doesn't define you, and that is one thing that any sports would teach you.
There's no point sulking for what has happened in the past.
The Olympic Rings tattoo has played its part and will continue to motivate me.
I love experimenting and doing new things in life, and if things fall into place, I'm ready to take up acting, too.
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.
For me, movie making is not business.
As was shown in 'Soorma,' for me, my father and brother have been my heroes.
You can not be in top five in Olympic after just one year's preparation.
I feel many times we do all the hard work, but in the absence of smart work, we do not get the desired results.
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.
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.
We have always been taught that hockey is our national game, but it is only in general knowledge books and not on official papers.
I think I am the first hockey player in India to have a wax statue of his own. It is a great honour.
'Roadies' tests your mental and physical ability in the most challenging way, and I have gone through this.
Both players and coaches take time to understand each other. Frequent changes bring that rapport to square one.
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.
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.
Any new coach takes about six months to adjust to the system, and players also need time to understand his methods.
I don't want sadness or happiness to affect my life.
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.
My only ultimate aim is to bring back the lost glory of Indian hockey.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In 2001, '02, and '03, our forward line had Gagan Ajit, Prabhjot, Deepak, who were playing together since junior days. Their coordination was terrific.
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.
I never think that I'm the best flicker, but I practice to learn new things every day.
I have met people who have called me the god of hockey, but in my head, I know who I am.
I am a master of drag-drag-flick.
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.
All those who have played with me are aware that I am very strict when it comes to discipline and punctuality.
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.
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.
The day you are content, you will stop growing.
I charged Rs 101 for the rights to my biopic.
I am lucky to have a family like this who have motivated me throughout.
Hockey players are given as much respect as any other sportsperson in our country.
I think every sport has its own loyal audience.
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.
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.
It's a great feeling to earn a place in the Olympics.
I always try to give my best and improve my skills as per the changing trends of the game.
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.
I am enjoying playing as a full back, and I would like to continue in this position.
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.
