Delhi Wave Riders News

New Delhi, 25 December 2014: From playing a vital role in putting India into the finals of the 17th Asian Games with a brilliant field goal to bagging the ‘Best Junior Player of the Tournament’ award in the recently concluded Hero Men’s Champions Trophy 2014, Akashdeep has them all to his name and promises a lot more in times to come for Indian hockey as well as the Hero Hockey India League which is just around the corner. Having given a commendable performance in the last edition of the Hero Hockey India League, Akashdeep even has to his credit of taking home the Ponty Chadha Upcoming Player of the Tournament award for the 2014 season. With being applauded for his performance post every tournament, Akashdeep will look at continuing his form in the upcoming League and standing upto his Captain – Sardar Singh.

Akin to several other upcoming players, the 20-year old striker looks up to the Indian Captain and midfielder Sardar Singh for inspiration and encouragement. Playing under the very able Sardar Singh in the Indian Men’s Hockey Team as well as in Delhi Waveriders, Akashdeep believes under Sardar Singh he has had priceless opportunities to display his game-play, observe and monitor the nuances, have his mistakes rectified and learn the fine distinctions of the game which has helped him grow as a player in the last one year. With such keenness to gain knowledge of the game and enthusiasm to play a high-quality hockey makes Akashdeep Singh one of the most promising young Indian players in coming years.

Speaking on his mentor and role-model Sardar Singh, Akashdeep Singh said, “It has been a great prospect to play under Sardar’s leadership and I am one of those lucky ones to not only play under his guidance in the Indian Men team but even in the Hero Hockey India League where we are with Delhi Waveriders. Watching him play as well as discussing the game with him has helped me to learn a few tricks of the trade and has enhanced my game immensely. He inspires me and many others to become the player we want to be and make a difference to the game when on the field. I am really looking forward to the League as we both personally are looking at a big challenge from the rest of the teams and the aim to retain the title this year too.”

On the impending Hero Hockey India League, he further added, “I have had amazing experiences at the last two seasons of the Hero Hockey India league as it is one of those rare golden chances where one gets to play along some of the finest hockey talents from world-over. One such player is Simon Child and playing alongside him in the forward position has been a big experience for me.”

The inaugural day of the 3rd Hero Hockey India League will see Kalinga Lancers taking on Ranchi Rays on 22 January 2014, in Bhubaneswar.

Hero Hockey India League will be telecasted LIVE on Star Sports.