Amsterdam: If anything, the Dutch are generous in their praise and do appreciate a good performance. And on on Friday night at the Wagener Stadium, the Dutch fans knotted around Jugraj Singh who emerged hero of India 7-4 win against Pakistan in the 25th Champions Trophy here.

He was mobbed by young girls who clamoured for his headband, wristband, shorts, shirts and whatever else they fancied. Jugraj, somewhat shy and overwhelmed by all the attention, smilingly obliged them, but stopped short when one of the girls asked for his undergarment!

Despite all the adulation, Jugraj, who radiates immense confidence, remains modest and said he was far more happy that India won, that too against Pakistan, as much as he was satisfied with his own performance.

Soon after the game, Jugraj, born in Rayya (Amritsar district) 20 summers ago, took time out for a tete-a-tete with this writer, in the course of which he spoke about his modest beginning and dreams.

Excerpts:

How do you rate your today’s performance against Pakistan?

Well, I am extremely pleased that we could score seven goals against them, and win the match. I thought I played pretty well, and as always, when we play Pakistan, we are all pumped up. It was one of my best performances, especially since I was up against one of my idols, Sohail Abbas.

When defending penalty corners, your role was specifically to charge on Abbas. This tactic seemed to have worked well.

Yes, I was asked to run out and straight at Abbas and prevent him from executing the drag-flick for which he is famous. Thankfully, it worked, though I admit, it was a bit dangerous. But I am prepared to anything for my country and team, play in any position as per the match situation.

You have developed into a quality penalty corner specialist. How much more can you improve?

My two idols are Sohail Abbas and Bram Lomans (Netherlands). I would like to be as good as them. I am working hard on my drag-flicks, trying to put more power in my shots. Hopefully, I will improve further and help India win more matches.

You began your hockey career as a full-back, but now play as a half-back. Are you comfortable in this position, or, for that matter, playing on the right flank than left or centre?

Yes, I was first a full-back. But then, in today’s hockey, you must be prepared to play in any position. After all, the needs of the team are more important than your own. So, I have learnt to play at half-back, and I am quite comfortable playing on the left or centre or right. Of course, tonight, against Pakistan, I made a few good moves from the right, but I was playing in that position because of the team’s requirements and the match situation.

When did you first start playing hockey?

I was nine years old when I picked up a hockey stick. My sister, Rajbir Kaur, was a former captain of the Indian women’s team. She is also an Arjuna Award winner. She has been my inspiration, and of course my parents, who encouraged me. I learnt the basics at the Surjit Singh hockey Academy in Punjab.

Since your international debut in 2001, you have developed into one of the top penalty corner specialists in the World….

I made my debut in the 2001 Asia Cup at Ipoh. I captained the team and was the top scorer of the tournament with 14 goals, and was also nominated as the best player of the tournament. Since then, I have been with the Indian team, and hopefully, I will continue to play for my country for a long time.

Did you make any special preparations before the game against Pakistan?

Nothing special really. But like I always do daily, I called my parents and my sister. Rajbir told me not to get too tense and to play with confidence. Her encouraging words really boosted my morale. Yes, they were extremely happy when I called them after the match.