Joginder Narwal: We had faith in ourselves

Dabang Delhi K.C. defeated home side Gujarat Fortunegiants at The Arena by TransStadia on Tuesday to record their maiden victory against them. Representing Dabang Delhi K.C. at the post-match press conference were captain Joginder Singh Narwal and coach Krishan Kumar Hooda while coach Manpreet Singh represented the Gujarat Fortunegiants.

Dabang Delhi K.C.

Q: What were you thinking when scores were level with just a few seconds left in the game?

Joginder Narwal: We thought they would get frustrated if we were just three on the mat since we had the Super Tackle opportunity. The plan was to just get the bonus point off our do-or-die raid since we would then have the opportunity to affect a Super Tackle. We had faith in ourselves that we would be able to pull off the Super Tackle.

Q: What do you think of the way your team played today?

Krishan Kumar Hooda: My boys have been performing well in every game we have been playing. Everyone has always been writing Dabang Delhi K.C. off but today we showed everyone our resolve. I had promised to renew the energy within the fans and I think I have done that. We were playing on our defence today. I had told both of my corner-defenders that you all are the best in your position in the world. Overall, the team played very well today, and I am very happy with our performance.

Gujarat Fortunegiants

Q: What do you have to say about today’s game?

Manpreet Singh: We played brilliantly throughout the game. When you are on a run like we were, people expect more of you. The boys played like they have been playing, however the raiders made a few more errors than we would have liked as a team. The game was level with 47 seconds left and they got the bonus point. Dabang Delhi K.C. needed this win but we ensured we didn’t make it an easy win for them.

Q: Meraj Sheykh managed to score a five-point raid. Was that the turning point?

Manpreet Singh: Meraj Sheykh is an excellent raider and you need to plan against him every match you play. He is a boon for whichever team he plays and today he showed what he can do on the mat. We have always planned strategies for him, but we couldn’t execute them today. Today was the first game he scored well against us. Luck was on his side today, and their team won.