Gurpreet Singh Sandhu underlines importance of his coaches on Teachers' Day 2020

On occasion of Teachers' Day 2020, Indian football team goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu shared stalgic moments of his teachers Colm Toal and Tanumoy Bose, who he believes have had biggest impact on him and his career. Speaking in a chat on AIFF TV, Indian football team custodian spoke about Toal and Bose and impact y had on him. 

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu states importance of his coaches on Teachers' Day 2020

Speaking of his coaches in  chat on AIFF TV, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who also is 26th Indian footballer to be conferred with prestigious Arjuna Award said: "It literally gives me goosebumps recalling time I worked with Colm-sir (Toal) and Tanumoy-sir (Bose). It was a privilege to work with m. Colm-sir was huge for us. Whatever I do or say for m is less. I can't repay ir debt."

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Speaking about Colm Toal's influence on him, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu said that Com Toal was one of coaches who showed him what modern football is all about. Sandhu said he was in awe of way Toal commanded a room and way he taught m was remarkable. "I still remember how he used to have his shirt folded up. I wish to meet him again and share those stories. It has been a long time, almost 13 years since I met both of m." 

'keeper also revealed on how he was t on par with goalkeeping requirements but Colm Toal insisted he be included in contingent. Bose n worked relentlessly to make him sharper. "Tanumoy-sir told me that only reason I was called up was because Colm-sir wanted me to be re. I still remember amount of hard work se guys put in behind me. It was just phemenal. ir efforts helped me achieve whatever I have done till today," Gurpreet Singh Sandhu said.

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Gurpreet Singh Sandhu n went on to recall an instance in AFC U19 qualifiers when he caught eye of Bob Houghton, who was n national team coach for India. Right in time for AFC Asian Cup Qatar in 2011, Arindam Bhattacharjee picked up an injury, which paved way for Gurpreet Singh Sandhu into Indian Football team. 

Sandhu signed his first professional contract in 2009 with East Bengal and spent some time on loan at Indian Arrows. He made his return in 2011 and was a regular starter before Stabaek FC acquired his services and he moved to  rwegian League in 2014. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu's fairytale journey continued as he became first-ever Indian footballer to play in a Europa League fixture when he started for Stabaek FC against Welsh side Connah's Quay mads Fon June 30, 2016.

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In live chat, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu also spoke about his team-mate Jeje Lalpekhlua and level of comfort he shares with him. "When I was playing for India U-16 National Team, Jeje-Bhai was in India U-19 National Team. When we got toger in Indian Arrows, chemistry was palpable because both teams used to follow same system. It didn't take much time to gel toger. Later, when I started to play for Senior National Team, he (Jeje Lalpekhlua) was already re."

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Im Courtesy: AIFF