Devindar Walmiki, the lone Mumbai player to represent India at the Olympics after a gap of 12 years, says veteran goalkeeper's jovial nature makes him an approachable senior
Ready for rio: India hockey captain PR Sreejesh. Pic/Getty Images
Even in his wildest dreams Devindar Walmiki (23) never expected to be part of an Indian hockey team without his elder brother and mentor, Yuvraj (26) by his side. But as fate would have it, he's ready to embark on one of international hockey's biggest assignments, the Olympics, while Yuvraj has fallen out of favour.
Ready for Rio: India hockey captain PR Sreejesh. Pic/Getty Images
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Devindar also has an additional and crucial responsibility. He is the lone Mumbai player to represent the country at the Olympics following a gap of 12 years, after Mumbai-based Dhanraj Pillay, Viren Rasquinha, Adrian D'Souza and Vikram Pillay were part of Team India at Athens 2004.
Also Read: Sardar Singh removed from captaincy, Sreejesh to lead India at Rio
In an interview with mid-day, Devindar says he's up for every challenge, but crucially, it's the change of leadership in Indian hockey — goalkeeper PR Sreejesh was yesterday announced by Hockey India as the skipper for Rio Games — that promises exciting times ahead.
Excerpts:
On brother Yuvraj
Yuvi is the reason I began playing hockey, so this Olympics is dedicated to him. Yuvraj was in the team when I made my India debut at the Hockey World League in Belgium last year.
Together, we planned to play for India for long, making our family and country proud en route. Unfortunately, he got injured and then eventually did not get picked for Rio.
But Yuvi is very proud of what I have achieved. He has told me that it's not enough to merely make it to the squad. He says I have to ensure that the Indian team does well and finishes on the podium, and for that, I must give my 110 percent at all times.
On new captain Sreejesh
Indian hockey made history by winning a silver medal at the FIH Champions Trophy recently under Sreejesh, so that proves he's a fine leader. But more importantly, he's a very interactive captain, unlike someone like Sardar, who is more on the quieter side. Off the field, any of us junior players can go up to Sreejesh and crack a non-veg joke or even use abusive language in a casual conversation, and he won't mind it.
On the field, he is our wall. I always tell him that he alone is equal to the remaining 10 members of the team because when the rest of the team is beaten, it is he who stands like a wall between the opponent and the goal.
On the Mumbai factor
Whatever I am today is because of Mumbai hockey. This Olympic opportunity is a result of the numerous hours Yuvi and I spent literally living in the Mumbai Hockey Association's premises. We were given free access to the turf by the MHA authorities for which we are eternally grateful.
Then, there are mentors like Dhanraj Pillay sir and Bawa (Marzban Patel) who have guided us throughout. Today also when the Rio line-up was being announced and my name was taken, Dhanraj sir screamed with excitement and pride to see a Mumbai player make the squad. That's the passion we Mumbai guys have for the game and I hope I can play with the same fervour in Rio and prove to be an inspiration for many city players.
On his form and fitness
I suffered a shoulder injury during the last Hockey India League, but thanks to Hockey India, I recovered well and made a comeback at the Champions Trophy, where I scored twice. I also scored in the six-nation tournament thereafter, so my form and fitness are both at its peak. Now, it's only a matter of delivering the goods in Rio.
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