GENE JUNCTION
When Gagan Ajit Singh says, "Unlike other children, I grew up on a diet of milk and hockey," take him seriously. His father Ajit Singh starred in the 1976 Olympics teams and his uncle Harmik Singh captained the 1972 Olympics team. He didn't have a chance.

But genes only take you so far. The rest he's done himself. Sixteen goals in eight matches at the Junior Nationals three years ago was the first sign; 11 goals during the Europe tour in 1998 and a Man of the Match award versus Pakistan in Delhi in 1998 was the confirmation. When it comes to squeezing the ball into the net, from any angle, this kid has a PhD.

To be a great player, that's not enough. Happier being served than making his own moves, he has work to do. But scared he's not. He's just made it to the national team. "The least that I can do is go for a gold for my country. I want to make India proud," he says. "We are its future." What he's trying to say is, he wants to be the best. Daddy's watching, you see.