Gurpreet Singh Sandhu: The Indian Football Star
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, commonly known as Gurpreet, is a professional Indian football player who currently serves as the captain of the Indian national football team.
He has become a household name in Indian football due to his exceptional skills and achievements in the sport. In this article, we will explore Gurpreet’s football matches, family, achievements, and biography.
Early Life and Family
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was born on February 3, 1992, in Mohali, Punjab, India. He was brought up in a middle-class family, and his father was a government employee.
Gurpreet’s passion for football started at a young age, and he would often play football with his friends on the streets of Mohali.
He was inspired by Indian football legend Baichung Bhutia, who he considers his role model to this day.
Football Career
Gurpreet’s journey in football started when he joined the St. Stephen’s Football Academy in Chandigarh. In 2009, he signed his first professional contract with
East Bengal Football Club, one of the most successful football clubs in India. He made his debut for the club in 2010, and his performances soon caught the attention of the Indian national team selectors.
Gurpreet made his debut for the Indian national football team in 2011, in a friendly match against Turkmenistan. Since then,
he has been a regular member of the national team and has played in numerous matches, including the AFC Asian Cup and the World Cup qualifiers. In 2019,
Gurpreet made history by becoming the first Indian footballer to play in the UEFA Europa League, playing for Stable Football in Norway.
Achievements
Gurpreet has won several awards and accolades for his exceptional performances in football. In 2016, he became the first Indian footballer to play in the Indian Super League,
signing with Bengaluru FC. He was named the ISL Emerging Player of the Season in his debut year and was also awarded the
AIFF Player of the Year in 2017. Gurpreet has also been named in the Indian Super League Team of the Season and the I-League Team of the Year.
Apart from his individual achievements, Gurpreet has also been a part of some historic moments in Indian football.
He played a crucial role in India’s win over Thailand in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, which was India’s first win in the tournament in over 50 years.
Gurpreet was also a part of the Indian team that defeated the United Arab Emirates, which was ranked 97 places higher than India, in a friendly match in 2018.
Family Life
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu comes from a family of football enthusiasts. His father and brother are both football players, and his mother is an avid supporter of the sport.
Gurpreet’s family has been his biggest support system throughout his career, and he often credits them for his success.
In 2017, Gurpreet got married to his long-time girlfriend, Shraddha Chamoli. The couple had met in 2010,
during Gurpreet’s time at the St. Stephen’s Football Academy. They got engaged in 2016 and tied the knot a year later in a private ceremony in Goa.
Conclusion
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is a true inspiration to aspiring football players in India. He has shown that with hard work and dedication, one can achieve anything in life.
His performances on the football field have made him a national icon, and his humility and down-to-earth nature have won him millions of fans. Gurpreet is a role
model not just for football players but for everyone who wants to achieve their dreams and make a positive impact in their respective fields.
Off the field, Gurpreet is actively involved in social causes and is a part of the ‘Players for Humanity’ initiative, which aims to help people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He has also been a part of campaigns promoting gender equality and has spoken out against racism in football.
In conclusion, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s achievements and contributions to Indian football are numerous and impressive.
He has set a high standard for future generations of Indian football players, and his passion for the sport continues to inspire many. With his talent and determination,
Gurpreet has proven that Indian football can reach greater heights, and he remains a beloved figure in the Indian sports community.