Arjuna Award will inspire me for World Cup: Rasquinha

"It's a very proud moment for me to get the Arjaun award... My entire focus is now on the World Cup," said the ace hockey midfielder.

Published on: Sep 5, 2006, 15:08:00 IST

None | By Anonymous, Mumbai

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Ace hockey midfielder Viren Rasquinha said he was extremely proud to be conferred with the Arjuna Award which would spur him on to perform tremendously well in next month's World Cup in Germany for which he's leaving with other Indian teammates from Delhi.

"It's a very proud moment for me to get this award. Obviously it's a great honour. This will inspire me tremendously to give my all in the World Cup," he told PTI.

Field hockey's quadrennial showpiece is slated to be held in the German town of Monchengladbach from September 6-17.

The Mumbai-based player said he was a bit disappointed that he would not be personally present to receive the award from President A P J Kalam as he would be busy tuning up in Europe for the World Cup.

"I am a bit disappointed as I would not be present to receive the award. But at the same time my entire focus is now on the World Cup," said the Indian Oil medio who has had the honour of leading the country in past tournaments.

"I am tremendously grateful to my parents (for the progress I have made in career)," he added.

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