Have Never Looked Back Since Switching From Cricket to Football: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
In an exclusive chat with NDTV, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu says he has received overwhelming support after becoming the first Indian to play in the top tier of a European league. He reveals not being good at cricket despite his father's love for the sport, helped.
- Nikhil Naz
- Updated: May 15, 2015 05:46 PM IST
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is just 23 years of age and has a bright future ahead of him. But irrespective of how his football career pans out, his name will forever be etched in the history books of Indian football as the first Indian to play in the top tier of an European League.
After plying his trade in India with East Bengal, Gurpreet joined Norway's Stabaek Fotball last year - a club that plays in the country's premier division Tippeligan. Eight months later the Indian goal-keeper made his first team debut in a Norwegian Cup game, keeping a clean sheet no less in a 6-0 win.
"I never even dreamt of coming to Europe or be where I am right now, but you know this is how destiny is and I am very happy to be here. The reaction from India has been overwhelming and it's very humbling," he told NDTV from Norway.
Born in Mohali, on the outskirts of Chandigarh, Gurpreet's first love, like every other India kid, was cricket. But the youngster soon realised where his future lay, much to the disappointment of his father, who was keen to see his boy become an international cricketer. Explaining what caused the switch from cricket to football Gurpreet says, "Actually I was not so good at cricket. I tried it for a few days in the local academy and I didn't do too well. Then I joined a football academy in my school in Punjab.The coaches picked me up and since then you know I have never looked back." (Also read: How Gurinder defied his dad to excel at football)
Today, Gurpreet is an inspiration to thousands of Indian youngsters who wish to follow his footsteps and play in Europe, "I think if you are mentally strong and you dream about playing over here you can surely make it.There are so many talents kids in India. I want these guys to work hard, believe in themselves and be patient for the opportunity. I think more players need to leave India and play."
While the Indian custodian is living his dream in Norway, the self confessed foodie does miss Indian food. So what does he do satiate his appetite?
"I've learnt how to cook, and now I can pretty much cook all Indian dishes. I've also invited few of my team mates home for dinner and they seem to love Indian food cooked by me."
But, Indian food isn't the only thing that Gurpreet has a humongous appetite for. A fan of former Manchester United and Holland goal-keeper Edwin van der Sar, the 22 year old dreams of playing for a big European club one day; maybe even the Red Devils?
"I hope so. It is a dream, but who knows, maybe someday."