‘Great to make debut for national team… seemed surreal’

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who recently became only the fifth Indian player to sign for a European club by signing a three-year deal with Norwegian club Stabaek FC, was the other city player to play for the Indian U-23 team.

In fact, Sandesh has been enjoying a dream run in the last one month. He was first picked up in the Indian U-23 team for the Asian Games, then saw Sachin Tendulkar-owned Indian Super League (ISL) team Kerala Blasters outbidding other teams to take him, and now he finally made his debut for the national team.

“A victory is always welcome as it boosts confidence and gives a sense of satisfaction. However, beating Pakistan in the first match provided that extra spice,” said Sandesh about the match which India won 1-0, but lost the second match 0-2 to the neighbours.

The defender, who played in both the friendly matches against Pakistan, could have realised his dream of wearing the India colours four years ago when he was called for U-19 national camp after playing a stellar role in Chandigarh winning the Dr BC Roy all-India under-19 football tournament in 2010.

That joy, however, was short-lived as he suffered a knee injury and was ruled out for three months.

“It is past now and what is going on at the moment is what matters now,” said the 21-year-old.

Another chance came his way when national coach Wim Koeversman picked him among the probables for the AFC Challenge Cup last year. But destiny had other plans for him as on the second day of the camp, he suffered a knee injury and was on the sidelines for almost a month.
In the last one year, Sandesh has been travelling with the national team but a berth in the playing 11 eluded him.

But that all changed when his four-year-long wait finally came to an end during the match against Pakistan in Bangalore.

Now Sandesh has bigger dreams. “It will be wonderful to make my senior debut in a competitive match. Hope that happens soon,” said the player who along with the rest of the Indiam team will leave for China before reaching Incheon to take part in the Asian Games starting from September 19.

India have been placed in a tough group in the Asian Games as they face Jordan and UAE in Group G.