When I heard I was up for it, obviously I wanted to win. It's really an honour. I love playing for my country.

I am proud of my country. I have always wanted to represent my country since I was a junior athlete and if offered the opportunity to run at the Olympic Games, I will do my level best to make the country proud.

For sure, as the captain, it’s something bigger. The expectation is higher. Playing for the national team is a responsibility.

"This was for my tennis and I think it was a long time coming and I’m very honoured … We did nothing but play for our nation".

If I do not perform, then I have to move away. If you come to play for the country, then you have to be responsible when representing the flag of the country. 160 million people are watching, 160 million people have judgment. It must be paid.

I didn't expect to have this kind of opportunity to serve the country at this level so soon, but I take it as a huge privilege,

The aim has always been to play for the country and bring laurels. It remains the same.

I was a leader in the team and I needed to understand that it's not just for me but for the country as well.

Yes, everything for the country, we must love it absolutely and be ready to sacrifice everything for it, down to our most private preferences. And this is a little more difficult than offering one's carcass or fortune. I prize nothing more than that beautiful title: Patriot before all else.

Honestly, few things can compare to that experience of representing your country and your fellow people back home.

I was overjoyed when I heard the news and I later celebrated with my friends. I believe it's the work of God. I feel proud that my efforts have been recognised but it also places an enormous burden of expectation on me when I play for Ghana.

Look. You are not playing for Delhi, Punjab, Madras, Calcutta or Bombay; you are playing for India. You are Indian.

The opportunity to serve our country—that is all we ask.

Be grateful for this opportunity you have and learn from the experience as much as possible. Being in the national team is not going to be easy but we are here to help the