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The performance of the Indian men’s hockey has left a lot to be desired. The Michael Nobbs-coached Indians have turned in a sloppy display in their first two league games against Ireland and Netherlands, giving hockey buffs little hope that the team can seal one of the three 2014 World Cup berths up for grabs in the Rotterdam event.
But one man who is not part of the Rotterdam event due to an injury-induced absence, Danish Mujtaba, remains optimistic about a revival in India’s fortunes. “I’m pretty confident that the team will bounce back. There is enough depth in our side which will show in the coming games. Don’t count us out,” Danish told Sportskeeda in an exclusive interview.
The Indian forward is sitting on the sidelines after suffering a ligament tear on his right knee. “I got myself injured during our exposure trip to the Netherlands, I sustained this injury during our fifth practice game and knew I would be doubtful about being available for selection for the Hockey World League semifinals,” he says.
Danish has no doubts that India can beat New Zealand and post their first win of the tournament. “We will beat them for sure. We pipped them 4-2 in the 34th Champions Trophy in Melbourne. We lost 0-2 to New Zealand in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. At Ipoh we were not at full strength as our team comprised many junior players,”
The experience of captaining the side in the absence of regular captain Sardar Singh and Vokkaliga Raghunath at Ipoh is something Danish will cherish for a long time. “Obviously it’s an honour to lead the side. I really enjoyed the experience although I would have liked to score a few goals in that tournament.”
Missing out on action can be frustrating for any player, but Danish has taken things in his stride. “Every player has to be prepared to face an injury setback and I’m no different. But it is very easy to press the frustration button. Even doctors are telling me that it is important to stay positive. Staying mentally tough in such situations will stand me in good stead for the future,” he quips.
The 24-year-old striker reveals that a precise time-frame about his return to the national side will only be clearer in the next week or so. “I’m doing my rehab now but doctors will take a call next week on whether I need a surgery or not. If I need to have a surgery, then I could be out of action for six months. However, if a surgery is not required I will be back in the national fold soon.”
The Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited employee can mark a return to the national side for the Asia Cup, which is slated to be held in Ipoh in August. “I’m staying positive. If no surgery is not required I should be back for the Asia Cup, but I’m certain to miss action for the remainder of 2013 if I need to undergo a surgery,” he opines.
Danish is not the only Indian forward to be out with an injury. Gurwinder Singh Chandi is also cooling his heels outside the playing arena battling a prolonged ankle injury. “Both of us are doing our rehab in the same hospital in Delhi. We do talk about hockey whenever we met,” he says.
