By Nilanjan Datta,
AIFF Media Team

BANGALORE: The Indian U-23 National Team had a recovery session at the Bangalore Football Stadium on Monday morning (August 18). The boys went through a limbering session under the watchful eyes of National Coach Wim Koevermans.

All eyes stayed glued to the debutants who anchored India to a solitary goal victory over Pakistan the previous day. Sunday (August 17) was historical in the sense as six Players -- Amrinder Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Joyner Monte Lourenco, Shankar Sampangirag, Mandar Rao Desai and Seiminlen Doungel -- made their debuts for India.

“To be honest, I wasn’t nervous at all,” Mandar said at the Official Media Interaction prior to the Practice Session. “But I can say I was very excited. My Seniors in the Team made me more confident and I tried to give my best,” he said.

Joyner, who was a figure of composure all throughout in the defence added: “I was eagerly waiting for my debut in the National Team. In fact, that stays the aim for all Players. It’s so satisfying. I wanted to play and need to thank my Coach for finding me capable enough to do the job.”

Were you nervous?

“It was a good experience. I called up my dad who stays in UK. He congratulated me,” he quipped. “But I don’t have any plans of moving out of my Country and settling in UK. I am doing best what I can do – playing Football,” Joyner maintained.

“The gesture of the Team floored us all. On Sunday evening, post dinner the entire Team arranged for a cake-cutting ceremony for all the debutants of the Match. That was such a nice gesture, so unexpected. We need to thank them all.”

“Coach (Wim Koevermans) used to say that International Football is played at a much higher intensity than domestic-level Football. He was so right,” Mandar pronounced. “It’s too early to say but I am a much more confident Player at the moment.”

“Adjusting into the National Team’s Practice Sessions wasn’t tough,” Mandar further informed. “Even in our Club, we follow the same >

Joyner stated that Wim’s tips in the National Team Camp is helping him mature faster. “The all round discipline, both on and off the field is a learning curve. The tips which we get from the Coach also help in my Play -- in fact, to be precise, we all are learning,” he stated.

“The Senior Players have had a huge influence on everyone. Right from Day one, they have goner that extra step to make us comfortable. They mixed with us so easily making us feel a part of the Family. They always remind us to maintain our calm,” Joyner went on.

“We are improving on all aspects and will continue to do so under Wim-Sir’s Coaching. The Tour to Czech Republic was so helpful. We are all eagerly waiting for the Incehon Asian Games.”

The Indian contingent leave for China on August 24 for another 15-day exposure Tour from where they proceed directly to Incheon.

India’s second match against Pakistan at the Bangalore Stadium on August 20 (Wednesday) kicks-off at 3.30pm.