India last won a World Cup, and it's only one to date, when the men's team led by Ajit Pal Singh beat archrivals Pakistan 2-1 in the final on March 15, 1974.
34 years later, India are still searching for that lost pride as Sardar Singh & Co. embark on a journey to bring back those glory days by winning the 2014 edition to be held at The Hague, Netherlands, from May 31 to June 15.
Let's meet the men who have been entrusted with that job and have promised to play their heart out for the nation.
Sardar Singh (captain)
Age: 28
Caps: 180
Position: Midfielder
"I'm honoured to represent the country for the second time in the World Cup. I will put in all my experience, learnings and hard work to ensure that we meet the expectations of the fans as well as everyone who is associated with the game."
Rupinderpal Singh (vice captain)
Age: 24
Caps: 83
Position: Defender
"Looking forward to the tournament and hope to finish with a good position [in the final standings]."
VR Raghunath
Age: 26
Caps: 154
Position: Defender
"We have had good preparations, including a European Tour that helped us acclimatize with the playing conditions and getting a feel of the pitch there [Netherlands]."
PR Sreejesh
Age: 26
Caps: 94
Position:
Goalkeeper
"Team is working hard to give a much better performance this time and we hope to come back with glory."
SV Sunil
Age: 25
Caps: 131
Position: Forward
"I will be playing my first World Cup and will contribute my best to make the country proud."
Gurbaj Singh
Age: 26
Caps: 158
Position: Defender
"Being an experienced player in the team and playing my second World Cup, I will put in my best efforts and encourage my young team-mates to give their 100 percent."
Manpreet Singh
Age: 22
Caps: 91
Position: Midfielder
"Playing my first Senior World Cup will be a dream come true for me, but most important thing will be to perform well throughout the event."
Birender Lakra
Age: 24
Caps: 65
Position: Midfielder
"The plan is to take each day, each match [at a time] and play accordingly."
Kothajit Singh
Age: 22
Caps: 65
Position: Midfielder
"We are aiming to give our 100 percent and live up to the expectations of everyone."
Dharamvir Singh
Age: 24
Caps: 69
Position: Midfielder
"I am happy and proud that I have got this chance and hope to live up to the expectations."
Akashdeep Singh
Age: 20
Caps: 35
Position: Forward
"Our target in this World Cup will be to finish in top 5 and we are confident of putting up a great show."
Mandeep Singh
Age: 19
Caps: 37
Position: Forward
"The entire team is geared up and excited to give their best."
Chinglensana Singh
Age: 23
Caps: 46
Position: Midfielder
"I will try to broaden my scope for improvement in the upcoming World Cup."
SK Uthappa
Age: 21
Caps: 48
Position: Midfielder
"It's now all about implementing our learnings into action."
Ramandeep Singh
Age: 21
Caps: 11
Position: Forward
"I think we are one of the most versatile team. We believe we have got good talent and each player in the team is contributing positively and as a unit."
Nikkin Thimmaiah
Age: 28
Caps: 22
Position: Forward
"Keeping in mind the strategies planned by the coaches during preparatory camps and video analysis sessions, we will give our best match by match."
Harjot Singh
Age: 20
Caps: 4
Position: Goalkeeper
"I am fully prepared for the prestigious tournament and will give my best to make the contrymen proud."
Jasjit Singh
Age: 25
Caps: To make his international debut
Position: Midfielder
"Playing in the World Cup is a dream come true for me."
COACHING STAFF
Chief Coach: Terry Walsh
High Performance Director: Roelant Oltmans
Coach: MK Kaushik
Coach: Sandeep Sangwan
Scientific Advisor: Matthew Eyles
Video Analyst: AC Satahkopan
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