Hockey India League: The main challenge is beating the first-rusher, says drag flicker Jugraj Singh

Jugraj acknowledges his captain Rupinder’s support.
| Photo Credit: M. VEDHAN

ROURKELA

Guided by veteran Rupinder Pal Singh, a fresh approach to drag-flicking has helped Jugraj Singh to be among the top goal-scorers in the Hockey India League (HIL).

Jugraj, who won his India cap in 2022 and has scored 20 goals in 63 international outings, has performed well in Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers colours. With the league entering its second week, he has converted three penalty corners to perch atop the scorers’ list prior to the 10th day’s action.

At a time when drag-flickers are finding it difficult to breach strong defensive walls, the 28-year-old produced a special performance and scored a brace in Tigers’ commanding 4-1 win over Delhi SG Pipers at the Birsa Munda Stadium the other night. It enabled Tigers to jump to the No. 1 spot on the points table.

Jugraj, a two-time Asian Champions Trophy gold winner and a Commonwealth Games silver medallist, acknowledges his captain Rupinder’s support.

“I get a lot of confidence from Rupinder, who is India’s best drag-flicker. I pick his brain and ask him where I am committing mistakes and how I can improve,” Jugraj told The Hindu.

The defender recalls Rupinder’s advice on the psychological side of the game. “You may not succeed in executing some drag-flicks due to various reasons. It can impact and spoil your regular game. One must remember that drag-flick and normal play are two different things. If you don’t score, you should wait for the next opportunity. I just do that.”

Jugraj, the namesake of well-known 2002 Asian Games silver medallist drag-flicker, feels a flicker wins half the battle if he beats the first-rushers, who are now well prepared because of video analysis and protective equipment.

“The main challenge is beating the first-rusher. I work a lot on this area – dragging from left to right or right to left and where to shoot. Nowadays you see less number of goals from penalty corners as the rushers also work on their game, study the drag-flickers and come prepared like we do about them,” said Jugraj, looking forward to continuing his good work in the remainder of the HIL.