Bengaluru :
Karnataka has added another feather to its glorious hockey history with four players having secured berths in the 16-member Indian squad for the Olympics. The quartet of SV Sunil, VR Raghunath, SK Uthappa and Nikkin Thimmaiah – all from Kodagu district – will have a key role to play when India launch their campaign in Rio de Janeiro against Ireland on August 6.
Star striker Sunil, who was handed the role of vice-captain, said he enjoyed taking up responsibilities. “Vice-captaincy came as a surprise. I was not expecting it,” said an elated Sunil, who essayed a similar role at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup (April) and Champions Trophy (June).
“I feel that I play better when I am asked to shoulder a big responsibility. I enjoy doing that. My job is to share the decision-making duties with my skipper and motivate our players,” added Sunil, 26, who made his Olympic debut at London 2012.
The striker, a veteran of 190 international matches, felt the team is headed in the right direction. “We have prepared well for Rio. We have identified small mistakes and worked on them. The players are high on confidence,” he added.
With 214 international caps, Raghunath is second in the list of senior members in the side after former skipper Sardar Singh (247). Being part of a team that finished a disappointing 12th at the London Games, Raghunath realises the challenges of playing at the highest level.
The drag-flick exponent, making his second Olympic appearance, felt the team has improved in all departments. “London Olympics was very disappointing. But this time we improved in all aspects of the game,” he said. “In the tournaments leading up to Olympics, we have played all big teams and proved that we are a force to reckon with. We have prepared strategies after analysing other teams’ strengths and weaknesses. What is more important for us is to start on a winning note in Rio.”
Midfielder Uthappa, 24, who was part of the Indian team in London, said. “It is great that we have four players from Kodagu in the Olympic team. Making my second appearance in the Olympics gives me a high but I am looking to contribute to the team’s success,” he said.
“Our performance at the London Olympics was very unsatisfactory and we want to put up a better show this time,” Uthappa, who has played 94 matches for India, added.
It’s dream come true for forward Thimmaiah, who will be making his debut. “It’s an honour to represent India at the Olympics. The positive thing is that in the lead-up to the Olympics, we have produced good results in all tournaments. We will look to maintain the same form at Rio,” said 26-year-old, who has 71 international caps.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home / Sunil Subbaiah / TNN / July 13th, 2016
