"Aim to perform well against Germany": hockey national team star SV Sunil
SINCE HE MADE HIS DEBUT in the senior men's squad nine years ago, SV Sunil has gained the reputation of being 'the fastest man on the turf'. In fact, Chief Coach Roelant Oltmans likes to count him as one of the fastest in International hockey today.
"He is an attacker and brings something exceptional to the team. He understands our demands and he keeps questioning what we are doing in a positive way so that he can understand it and translate to the younger players," says Oltmans.
As a striker, no doubt he has brought great value to the squad but lately he has also been given the responsibility of guiding the team as Vice-Captain. A role he thoroughly enjoyed in the Sultan Azlan Shah Tournament.
"I don't feel that the role of Vice-Captain brings any pressure to my game. Being part of the team for so long, I have learnt to handle pressure and that helps me stick to my natural game. Vice-Captaincy for me is all about making the youngsters in the team understand their role and motivate them to play to their potential," he says.
Compared to the team's preparations for London Olympics, Sunil feels that their training this time is well-rounded.
"Last time, we paid more attention to fitness. But this time, it is very different. We pay attention to overall development as a team and the training has a lot to do with discipline and team spirit which I think has helped us on the field and in understanding each other's strengths and weaknesses. The approach we have for the Olympics this time is far more systematic and I feel we are on the right track," says the 27-year-old striker.
Among Sunil's best performances has been against India's nemesis Pakistan. However, for the Olympics, he vies to be at his best against Germany, the defending Olympic Gold medalists.
"They are the best team in the world. It is my priority to do well against them in the Champions Trophy and at the Olympics and playing them in the Champions Trophy will help us understand their game better ahead of the Olympics. We discussed Germany in our previous team meetings and we are aware of their strong and weak points. I also keep watching their videos in my free time," he says.
And while he prepares to get the better of teams like Netherlands, Argentina and Germany who figure in India's pool for the Olympics, there is one thing that will be on Sunil's mind:
"Coming from a poor family in Coorg, hockey has given me everything I need to lead a comfortable life. And when I play, I remember what the game has given me for the sacrifices I have made and I will do everything to bring glory for the country," he concludes.
