Sandeep's injury is a 'big loss' to the team: Jugraj Singh

CHANDIGARH: International hockey player Jugraj Singh, who survived a car crash about three years back, on Tuesday said drag-flicker Sandeep Singh's injury was a "big loss" to the team.

"Sandeep's injury is a big loss to the whole team. He is such a fine player. I will pray that he recovers at the earliest," said Jugraj, who was on his way to Delhi.

On whether he is ready to take the responsibility if given a chance, Jugraj said, "At the moment, my confidence level is high. I am prepared to give my hundred per cent".

Meanwhile, Indian hockey's vice president Chandershekhar said Sandeep's injury at this stage was a "big jolt".

Asked who were they looking at substitutes, Chandershekhar, who met Sandeep in PGIMER here, said Jugraj and Raghunath could be asked to chip in.

Olympian and national selector Harmeek Singh said it was sheer bad luck for Sandeep and the team that the 21-year-old received injury just before the World Cup.

"It (dra-flick) is a specialised job. We have groomed him for such a long time to come to this level. We called him goal machine. One positive way of looking at his injury is that the whole team should draw inspiration and motivation to win the forthcoming tournaments," Harneek Singh said.

Former assistant coach of the Indian team N S Sodhi also said that Sandeep's injury was a big loss to the team.

"We hope he will soon recover from his injury," he said.