Hockey World Cup 2023: ‘My goal is to get the team a medal in the Hockey World Cup’, special conversation with Abhishek

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FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023: Young Abhishek has become a special striker of the Indian hockey team because of his artistry and ability to scatter the defense line of any team in the world. Abhishek, a 23-year-old resident of Sonipat, Haryana, adjacent to Delhi, got discipline in sports and life from his military father Satyanarayan. Due to his discipline, Abhishek has won the trust of Indian coach Graham Reid in the 15th FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup.

India will take on New Zealand in the crossover

Indian hockey team beat Wales 4-2 in their last match to finish second in Pool D with seven points from three matches like England. India will now take on third-placed New Zealand in Pool D in a crossover on Sunday for a place in the quarter-finals. Abhishek is still waiting for his first goal in the current World Cup. Talking to Abhishek about his successful hockey journey in the last one and a half years, the ongoing World Cup and his future goals.

Now that you have found a place in the Indian senior hockey team, your goals as a player, your ideals?

It is a matter of pride for me to make a place in the Indian senior team. Now whether it is Hockey World Cup, any big tournament like Olympics or Asian Games, my aim is not just participation but to win medals for India. As a hockey player, no one player is my role model. I learn by watching the best players of the country and the world play.

How do you feel about getting a place in the team?

I am fortunate that on joining the Indian senior hockey team, I got the support of all my colleagues, especially the seniors. Coming to the senior Indian team has improved my coordination. My off-the-ball, with-the-ball running has not only improved, I have also gained the necessary patience in my game.

How did you win head coach Graham Reid’s trust that he became your fan?

I consider myself lucky that Chief Coach Reid reposed faith in me. This is what got me a place in the Indian team in the ongoing Hockey World Cup here. Reed told me to play my natural game freely. He explained to me that there is a need to learn, not to be afraid of mistakes.

How tough is the absence of injured Simranjeet Singh, who played a key role in getting bronze in the Tokyo Olympics?

Simranjit Singh played an important role in getting India a bronze medal after 41 years. Had he not been suffering from injury, he would have definitely been in the current Indian team. Simranjit knows how to perform well under pressure.

The author is a senior sports journalist…

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