My Memories: SAFF Cup Gives Extra Motivation To The Indian Players - Sandip Nandy

Leading up to the 2009 SAFF Cup, Goal.com will be speaking to some of the heroes from previous editions about their memories from the tournament. Rahul Sengupta caught up with Chirag United Goalkeeper Sandip Nandy.

29-Nov-2009 4:52:33 PM

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Sandeep Nandy, India

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Sandip Nandy

Sandip Nandy used to be a regular member of the Indian senior national team under coaches like Stephen Constantine, Sukhwinder Singh, Sayed Nayeemudin and even Bob Houghton.

Nandy has represented India in two editions of the SAFF Cup, in 2003 at Bangladesh and again in 2005 in Pakistan. In 2003 where India finished third, Sandip was a member of the squad but didn’t get too many games.

Two years later Sandip was a starter in the playing eleven and played a key role in India’s first SAFF Cup triumph in six years.

Speaking to Goal.com Sandip Nandy said, “Playing for India is always an honour, be it SAFF Cup or any other tournament. I really miss those days when I used to be in the playing eleven of the national team.”

Explaining about the importance of the SAFF Cup he said, "SAFF Cup is always important for India. It is one tournament where India gets to play against teams who are not only close in terms of ranking but are also our continental neighbours. So the SAFF Cup always gives extra motivation to the players to perform.”

Sharing his memories of the SAFF Cup he explains, "I had travelled with the Indian team in two SAFF Cup competitions. In 2003 I rarely got an opportunity to play in the tournament.

“2005 outing was a successful tournament for me as I was the main goalkeeper for the team and I played a big role in bringing the cup back home.

“Winning the SAFF Cup is one of the most cherished moments of my entire football career so far.”

Sandip Nandy signed off by wishing good luck to the India U-23 team for the 2009 SAFF Cup tournament which takes place in Bangladesh from 4th-13th December.

Rahul Sengupta

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