EXCLUSIVE: India goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu set for Europa tryst

JAIPUR: Barely eight months after he created history by becoming the first Indian footballer to play for a first division European club, goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu added another feather to his cap by ensuring that he would be the first from his country to be part of a team scheduled to play in the Europa League next season.
On Sunday night, Stabaek FC, Gurpreet's employers in Norway, ensured a qualifying berth after triumphing over lowly Start in the penultimate round of the Norwegian League, also called Tippeligaen.
Norway's heavyweights Rosenburg have already won the league with 66 points and are followed by Stromsgodset (56). Close on their heels are Stabaek with the same number of points. Stabaek are currently placed third which guarantees a first round qualification berth.
Previously known as the UEFA Cup, Europa League has three qualifying rounds and the playoffs before a team can make it to the group stages.
"It's an unbelievable feeling. It's like someone has created magic," Gurpreet told TOI after the win. "My teammates don't realise what they have done for the team and me. When you think of where I came from, being part of Europa League is something you can only dream of," added the 23-year old whose contract with the Norwegian outfit runs till 2017.
Sandhu, who has played 20 odd reserve team matches for Stabaek besides the maiden first team Cup game, is obviously very excited about soaking in the Europa experience. "The last away game and then India's home match against Guam are the things on my mind at the moment. This moment is right up there with India debut against Iran and Stabaek first team game, but I have to keep my levels high and focus on the task at hand."
Reacting to the development, Baichung Bhutia said: "I watched Gurpreet in the India World Cup Qualifiers and he looked in great shape. He has changed a lot and some of the saves he made against Oman were outstanding. The fact that he will be part of a team playing in the Europa League is amazing. The experience will enrich him no bounds. I hope he starts but even if he doesn't, a European night is what every footballer dreams of."
KNOW GURPREET:
Age: 23
Position: Goalkeeper
India caps: 3
Last played for India: World Cup qualifiers, Russia 2018, against Oman on October 13
Current Club: Stabaek FC (Norway)
Joined: August 15, 2014
Contracted till: December 31, 2017
No of first team caps: 1; vs Runar in Sandefjord in a Cup game
No of reserve caps: 20
Previous clubs: Kingfisher East Bengal (112 caps including all competitions), Indian Arrows
Family background: Parents are based in Chandigarh. Has a younger sister.
REACTIONS:
Kushal Das, AIFF General Secretary: Gurpreet has been a product of AIFF's youth development programme right from the U-16 stage and had then been part of the YDP till the Arrows. We spotted him at a young age and had full faith in his abilities. That he has been a part of top flight football speaks about his perseverance. We are proud of him.
Tanumoy Basu, former India goalkeeper who groomed Gurpreet in his initial years: After having a first look, I was not too impressed but Colm (the then head coach of the U-16 team) persisted with him because of his height. I worked with him tirelessly for two years. He was the first choice goalie in the AFC U-19 qualifiers in 2009 and played really well. Gurpreet is very hard-working and never short on confidence.
Subrata Paul: My best wishes are always with him. He will be the first Indian to play in the Europa League which is amazing for him and for Indian football. I have always been by his side.