Sandesh Jhingan targets India’s FIFA World Cup qualification after winning Arjuna Award

On Saturday, India centre-back Sandesh Jhingan became 27th footballer from country to win  iconic Arjuna Award. A proud Sandesh Jhingan took to Instagram to take te of his achievement over weekend and claimed that he's hoping to thrive under added pressure of expectation that has come with award. former Kerala Blasters defender has w set his aim to help India qualify for FIFA World Cup. 

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Indian defender Sandesh Jhingan wins Arjuna Award for 2020

While speaking in an interview after winning prestigious Arjuna Award, 27-year-old Sandesh Jhingan spoke about his ultimate dream of helping India qualify for a FIFA World Cup. centre-back said: "Initially, dream was just to be part of Indian football and representing country but as I grew older, my dreams also started taking shape and I was always aiming higher." Jhingan n added, "Winning Arjuna Award was one of my dreams, I had seen our captain Sunil Chhetri win it when I was a teenr and w one of my dreams has come true."

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A delighted Jhingan revealed, "I got a number of missed calls from family and friends after winning award, even Sunil Chhetri called me. I've won this award for my family because y've sacrificed so much for me to get where I am today." Arjuna Award doesn't only come as a motivation for Jhingan but he also spoke about how football in India is only getting more and more popular. "When I had a dream to play football for India, games weren't even televised but w y are. I hope that by winning this award myself, I can inspire a few or youngsters to participate in sport. I hope a footballer wins this award again next year", he added.

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Sandesh Jhingan outlines plans for India's qualification for FIFA World Cup

Sandesh Jhingan, who made his debut for Blue Tigers back in 2015, also revealed his plans to help India reach FIFA World Cup one day. "We have to take everything step by step. For starters, we should regularly be part of AFC Asian Cup and n break into top 100, top 50 and so on. Winning tournaments abroad as well as keeping physically and mentally fit is also ar major requirement", explained Jhingan. former Kerala Blasters star will also be hoping to end his drought in ISL, having made it to finals on two previous occasions.

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Im Credits - Sandesh Jhingan Instagram