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He was a huge success story of Indian men’s hockey team’s recent world league campaign in Belgium. Devindar Walkmiki was the cynosure of all eyes as he showed his opportunism scoring goals at important times for the team, rushing back to help the defence in distress as well as controlling the midfield play with aplomb.
The 21-year-old Mumbai lad, who together with his elder brother Yuvraj, scored goals in their 3-0 win over Poland – a rare instance of Indian hockey brothers scoring in the same match – spoke in an exclusive interview.
Here are the excerpts:
Q. How exciting was it for you to be part of India’s World League team?
It’s always a matter of pride when you play for your country and playing for the team in the World League was special in its own way, but the road to the team was no doubt full of hard work and elongated practice sessions. But, everything was worth it when I was standing on the pitch singing the national anthem. It was no doubt the moment of a lifetime.
Q. You scored your debut international goal on your debut against France in a hard-fought tie. Tells us your experiences of scoring that goal as it helped India to pull ahead after France took an early lead.
It is always a pleasure to help the team in any kind of situation. But scoring when the team needs it always makes you feel much happier.
Q. There is always a lot of talk about you two brothers representing the country – your thoughts of both scoring against Poland?
Yes, I have heard many people discussing and in a good way and I like that but for me I’m honoured and grateful playing with him for the country. I look up to him and he has been a wonderful brother, teammate and mentor up to a certain extent. And about scoring goals, nothing could have been more special than that moment. I always am delighted to see Yuvi (Yuvraj Walmiki) score a goal, that day was a little extra special because we both contributed.
Q. You seem to be comfortable in playing all positions but what is your position you like to play given a chance?
Well, the team is responding quite well to the new structure – 10 up, 10 down. We just need to improve in certain areas, that's my personal opinion. The coach believes in the players’ hope that we will make it big in future.
Q. How is the team responding to the ‘total hockey’ concept introduced by coach Paul van Ass of all the players moving forward and backwards?
I am completely inclined towards playing my natural game all the time and I’m always ready to improve. I would be completely grateful to be a part of the Indian team always, but if you ask me about selection, it is not my job I completely trust the selectors’ viewpoints. Yes, my game has got all the answers. It has bought me here where I’m right now and it will surely take me a long way ahead.
Q. What inputs do you take from your elder brother Yuvraj during match situations or off the pitch?
As I said earlier, he has been quite a mentor to me sometimes and as we both play the same sport, it becomes easy to analyse our games. He is the first person I go to if I need to improvise my shot. So yes, he has been a great help all through the years and I’m certainly proud of him.
Q. As a player what aspirations you have going forward?
I always aspire to be a better hockey player with each passing day. And I want people to remember my game. That's it.
Q. How do you assess India’s Rio Olympics chances?
Improving is the key area and we really working on it, and hope for a podium finish and bring back the lost glory of Indian hockey.
