My team is my strength: Mandeep Singh

NEW DELHI: With the Hero Hockey India League just around the corner, Ranchi Rays star player Mandeep Singh on Wednesday said that he's gearing up for yet another strong show in the tournament.

With all eyes on him in since the first edition, Mandeep is keen to continue his dream run this season too and ensure that expectation from him are delivered this year.

The 19-year-old Jalandhar boy had his breakthrough season with the Ranchi-based franchisee during the inaugural HIL, in which he achieved the second highest goal scoring record with 10 strikes in 13 matches.

His name also rolled thrice in the list of players who scored the Goal of the Match in the first season and additionally earned the Man of the Match title playing a key role in ensuring his team clinched the title.

"Our team is in superb form and after a significant performance in the previous editions of HIL, we are more confident of doing well in this tournament. Playing for Ranchi consecutively for the third time, I am awaiting my turn to display my proficiency and abilities alongside an experienced bunch of players," Mandeep said.

"My team is my strength and with an advantage of a good forward line, I am hoping to a successful tournament for my team and aiming to finish it on a winning note. Our first match is slated against Kalinga Lancers on the inaugural day and I am looking forward to a clash against the likes of Gurjinder Singh, Gonzalo Peillat and Ramon Alegre," he said.

The 3rd edition of the Hero Hockey India League will start from January 22. The opening day of the League will witness Kalinga Lancers taking on Ranchi Rays in Bhubaneswar.