Striker Sumeet Passi 'dying' to make upcoming I-League season count and make India comeback

New Delhi: Striker Sumeet Passi, who made his India debut in 2016, says he is "dying" to make a mark in the upcoming I-League season and strengthen his case for a national team comeback. He will don the RoundGlass Punjab FC colours in the league.

"Playing for the national team is a matter of immense pride and making my India debut was a dream come true. I am dying to make a mark this season and get a place in the senior team again," Passi told i-league.org.

"I will do my best and give my all in terms of hard work. I want to score many goals and win matches for my team."

With the new season set to kick off on 9 January 2020, the side from Punjab began training earlier this month in Kolkata under head coach Curtis Fleming.

Dying to make a mark in the #HeroILeague, declares @RGPunjabFC’s @passi_sumeet

— Hero I-League (@ILeagueOfficial) November 18, 2020

The forward stated that with the action resuming after a long gap due to the lockdown, he has set his sights on going all the way and lifting the I-League trophy.

He said, "Training with my new team has been fantastic and our preparation is on in full swing. RoundGlass Punjab have a very professional set-up and that's why I was keen on signing with them. I want to win the league with the team and after this long break, the matches can't come soon enough for us. I am really looking forward to the action."

Having completed a week of pre-season training, the 26-year-old Passi shared his thoughts on practising under coach Fleming and stated that his team has a "great mixture" of youth and experience.

"Our coach is very motivating and encouraging. He tells the younger players to go enjoy yourself on the training ground. He has a plan for the season in place and has said that all of us have to earn our place in the team."