We will travel to UAE not just to participate: Sandesh Jhingan

Perhaps none knows that Sandesh Jhingan cried as a 17-year old when India lost to Bahrain in the Doha 2011 Asian Cup.
In a freewheeling interview, Jhingan travels down memory lane to the day while speaking about his love for the National Team, his self-assessment as a player, the aim at the AFC Asian Cup 2019, defending as a Team, the ‘special back-four’ and much more.
EXCERPTS:
Personally, what does qualification to the Asian Cup mean to you?
It’s a big achievement for the Country as it’s a continuous process of growth of Indian Football after the last qualification in Doha 2011. Our priority from now on is to improve and try to dominate in Asia as the Asian Cup provides us with the chance to play the bigger teams. To improve we need to learn the dominance and there is still a lot of work to be done for that.
Did you follow the Doha 2011 Asian Cup?
The last time India played in Doha (in 2011), I was a 17-year old boy and remember crying after our loss to Bahrain — a match which I felt we could have won. It was an emotional moment for a boy who was in love with the National Team and the other day in Bengaluru, it was a special moment when we qualified.
What next?
The job is not done yet. This is the first step which we have achieved because we will travel to UAE not just to participate. Rather, we need to make it to the next round for which, I reiterate, we need to work harder.
What do you attribute the unbeaten streak of the National Team to?
The biggest character of this team stays that we never give up. If you look back, we had a bad run initially but since then we have been able to turn around and it has to be attributed to the mental strength of the team. The unity in the squad is commendable; it’s like a group of brothers playing football together. That’s the understanding which we have and it’s very vital for us.
Also Read: ISL 2017: Five Kerala Blasters players to watch out for
Within 2 years of making your international debut, you have earned the title of ‘Mr. Dependable.’ How much have you improved as a player?
(Smiles). The fans have been a huge support and I need to thank them for that. But I feel it’s still a long way for me to improve as a player. I still need to work harder. Obviously, I have improved my fitness immensely and whether I have improved as a player, maybe the Coach and the others can comment. All I know is that the road is long.
The defensive back four has played a major role in taking India to this level.
I think it’s not just about the back four. If you look at the match against the Kyrgyz Republic, there was a moment when Eugene (Eugeneson Lyngdoh) tackled in our own box which otherwise could have enabled them to score. We also have Hali (Halicharan Narzary) running up and down the flanks in every match to help our side-backs. Actually, it’s collective work with one covering up for the other. The whole team does that, so it’s not right to solely credit the back four for the defending.
What’s special about the four?
It’s the blind trust which we have amongst ourselves. Pritam (Kotal), Narayan (Das) and I have been playing together since our U-23 days and it’s been quite a long time. Inadvertently the understanding has grown over the years, but for example, in a match, I ask anyone of the back four to turn, he will do it instantly without even thinking and I will reciprocate in the same manner if they tell me too.
– Courtesy AIFF Media
Also Read: Football should be played to entertain – FC Pune City head coach Popovic
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates on Indian Football
Go Equal Premier League (GEPL)
Go Equal Premier League to host India’s First Co-ed Influencer Football Cup in Mumbai on February 2nd
The Go Equal Premier League (GEPL), a pioneering platform dedicated to promoting inclusivity and accessibility in football, is set to host India’s first-ever Influencer Football Cup on February 2nd, 2025, in Bandra, Mumbai.
MFA / MFA Elite Corporate League
Mumbai Corporate League Begins: Milton Fernando & Joe Miranda Grace the Opener
The Mumbai Corporate League 2024-25 season commenced on Monday with Football Icon Milton Fernando and MYJ FC owner Joe Miranda gracing the occasion The clash saw last season’s Mumbai Super…
MYJ Blue Cubs League 2025: Nurturing the Future Stars of Football
MYJ Blue Cubs League 2025: Nurturing the Future Stars of Football
Mumbai City FC held to their seventh draw of the season after a goalless stalemate against East Bengal FC
Mumbai City FC were held to a goalless draw against the East Bengal FC at the Mumbai Football Arena in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 tonight. This was East…
Dream Sports Championship: RFYC, Brothers SA, MSSA and Mumbai City FC kick off campaign with wins
The second season of Dream Sports Championship kicked off with the Mumbai Leg seeing 6 teams split in two groups of 3 teams each RFYC, Brothers SA record commanding victories…
Mumbai Super League: MSP, Mumbai Ultras book final round slot
Nihal Colaco’s injury time brace helped MSP edge past Charkop while in other game, Ultras breezed past ROQs-DFA courtesy strike from Joyson, Shreyas and co. In group A, with one…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Mumbai Premier League Championship Group Kicks Off with Mumbay FC, Hope United Victory
The Mumbai Premier League Championship Group stage began with a statement victory for Mumbay FC while Hope United secured a close 1-0 win New entrant Mumbay FC secured a commanding…
Jamshedpur FC displace FC Goa at second spot with a clinical 3-1 victory
Cirkovic and Siverio strikers help Jamshedpur FC defeat FC Goa by 3-1 at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 tonight. Khalid Jamil became the…
Dreams Sports Championship: RFYC to lock horns with Brothers SA in regional final
Reliance Foundation Young Champs, Brothers Sports Association setup final clash in Mumbai leg of Dreams Sports Championship Mumbai, February 05, 2025: The Reliance Foundation Young Champs continued their brilliant run…
ISL matches happening in Shillong will have a positive impact on Meghalaya’s footballing culture: Mumbai City FC skipper Lallianzuala Chhangte
Mumbai City FC skipper Lallianzuala Chhangte is all set and geared up to feature in the Indian Super League (ISL)’s debut in Meghalaya with NorthEast United FC hosting the Islanders…
Corporate Football / MFA Elite Corporate League / Trials
Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign
Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…
Mumbai Super League club Charkop FC to conduct open trials for upcoming Season
Calling all aspiring football stars! Charkop FC, a MFA super division club based in Charkop, Kandivali, is set to conduct Open Trials for the upcoming season. About Charkop FC: In…
Academy / Football Academy / Trials
Mumbai 42 Football Academy to conduct trials for Youth players
Newly established Mumbai 42 Football Academy will be conducting trials for young footballers in the upcoming week.
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…