WAVERIDERS EYE CONSISTENT SHOW UNDER RUPINDER
Consistency has been the hallmark of Delhi Waveriders’ campaigns in the Hockey India League, which saw them emerge winners in 2014 and runnersup in the inaugural season. With HIL-5 ready to roll from Saturday, the Waveriders are looking up to new skipper Rupinder Pal Singh for inspiration. Senior defender and dragflicker Rupinder has been India’s mainstay in the team’s campaigns last year that saw them climb to number six in world rankings. Said Rupinder as the Waveriders underwent training here, “It is a fresh season and we have a few new players who have joined us. I feel honoured to be named the skipper and will look to lead the way on the field with a good show.” New Zealand striker Simon Child, who captained the team last year, said Delhi were known for their consistent and open style of play and that was what they would put on display this time as well. “We are known as one of the most consistent teams in the HIL and that is our strength. We finished third last time and will look to replicate our success of the opening years,” said Child. This year, Delhi have signed Austin Smith of South Africa, Argentina’s Manuel Brunet, Vincent Vanasch of Belgium and India goalkeeper Vikas Dahiya to bolster their squad. The presence of Junior India World Cup winning skipper Harjeet Singh and striker Mandeep Singh is another plus. Delhi begin their campaign against Kalinga Lancers in Bhubaneswar on January 22.