‘Would like be more skilful’

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Hockey midfielder Gurbaj Singh’s selection — over the experienced Viren Rasquinha — for the 2006 Doha Asian Games raised many eyebrows, but over the years, the 25-year old has gone from strength to strength.

Gurbaj, who made his senior debut through the Asiad, says he was all set to pack his bags and head to hometown Ferozepur for his cousin’s wedding. “I was winding up my stuff to go home, when one of the senior players asked me to unpack. He said I would be going to Doha instead.
“I laughed, and kept packing,” says Gurbaj.
“After a few hours, the coaches informed me of my selection and I was on the flight to Doha. It sank in when I finally reached there.”
The linkman has been pivotal to India’s plans in the last few years, and is often referred to as “Asia’s best right-half” by his team-mates and coaches.
A DSP in the Punjab Police, Gurbaj missed the Olympic qualifiers in New Delhi earlier this year with a knee injury, but is all set to represent India at the London Games. A look at some little-known facts about the shy midfielder:
Earliest sporting memory: I grew up playing in the streets of Ferozepur in mud and rain. That meant the world to me then.

Sport played: Hockey

Most memorable sporting moment: Winning the senior Asia Cup at home in 2007.

Worst sporting moment: The 2008 Olympic qualifiers in Chile, when we missed the Olympic berth.

Questions most asked by the public/press: When you are going to win a medal in the Olympics?

Sporting hero: Muhammad Usman of Pakistan. He was a brilliant player.

Favourite venues: Lahore, Delhi, London

Other sport you would pay the most to see: Football

What if not a hockey player? I would have been a businessman.

Biggest regret: Could not qualify for 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Who would you most like to invite to dinner and why? Gurdas Mann, the great Punjabi singer.

Person you learnt most from: My coach, Jagdeep Gill

How will you like to be remembered? A good human being, above anything else.

Other interests in your life: I like to go for long drives and listening to music.

What do you never leave home without? My car keys

A habit you wish to get rid of: I am very quick-tempered, need to work on that.

Favourite actor: Sunny Deol

Any superstition? I don’t believe in them.

Funniest fan letter/proposal? Never received any.

Where do you see yourself in five years? I wish to be more skilful, and want to keep contributing to my team’s success.

What’s the one thing that frightens you most? Major injuries

Sporting motto: Never give up.