Olympic rings on hockey squad’s mind

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They may not be among the most stylish at the London Games, but the Indian hockey team’s love for tattoos is not unknown.

Almost everyone in the 16-member squad sports one, ranging from hockey-related terminology, to famous sayings, to their spouse’s names and even faces.

Come July 27, the players are ready to take it one step further as many of them are 'keen on getting the Olympic rings inked'.

The trend started with star drag-flicker Sandeep Singh getting the Olympic rings — represent the five continents involved in the Games — on his forearm after the 2004 Athens Olympics.

India’s exit from the 2008 edition meant there wasn’t any addition, but the current lot is 'determined' to keep their passion going.

Striker S.V. Sunil, who already has three tattoos, plans to get the rings as soon as he reaches London. “More than just a tattoo, it is a symbol of pride that an athlete associates with being an Olympian. It is a very personal thing, and for me it will be a reminder of the country’s pride and expectations that we carry along with us,” says the 24-year old, who has his initials SV inked on his neck, a saying, What you do is what you get, on his shoulder and his family name on his arm.

Fellow strikers Shivendra Singh, Tushar Khandker and midfielder Manpreet Singh too have decided to follow suit, while goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh is “undecided on which part of the body to get inked this time”.

Says Sandeep, “I got the tattoo done immediately after the Athens Games. Becoming an Olympian at the age of 17 was quite an achievement for me, and a constant reminder that a lot was to be achieved. We haven’t given a good result at the Games for long, and every time I look at it I feel there is a lot to do.

“I have not decided if I wish to add something to it yet, but may be if we get results in London, I will think about it.”