The year 2011 was the year of the Yuvraj-s. In cricket Yuvraj Singh won the man of the tournament as India won the World Cup after a gap of 28 years. And in hockey, Yuvraj Walmiki’s goal against Pakistan helped India win the Asian Champions trophy. Since then much water has flowed down the Ganges. Cricket’s Yuvraj is slowly but surely fading into sunset while hockey’s Yuvraj on the other hand, is rediscovering his prowess as he returns to the national team after his injury for the World Hockey League Semifinals at Antwerp, Belgium. The striker opens up to Sakyasen Mittra in a telephonic tete-a-tete from New Delhi.
On missing out on the 2012 London Games
It was a case of shattered dreams. As a kid growing up, I always wanted to play in the Olympics and after doing well in the Asian Champions trophy it was a distinct possibility. But then came the hamstring injury, which affected my career. I was really down and out for an year.
On turning things around
Well the good thing about hard times is you get to know your true friends. My mom Meena Sunil Walmiki was a great source of inspiration and motivation. Coaches like Dhanraj Pillay Sir and Marzban ‘Bawa’ Patel constantly encouraged me during the tough times. They told me that I still had a lot to give to Indian hockey. I also worked very hard on my fitness and things started to turn for the better from 2014. They gave me a lot of positivity.
On India’s chances at the Rio Games.
Frankly speaking, in my opinion we can achieve a podium finish. Last year has been very good for India. We have competed against and defeated the top teams of the world – Australia, the Netherlands, Germany. We have developed as a team… and if we keep this momentum going there is no reason why we can’t finish among the top three at Rio. We just have to keep working on our game and minimising our mistakes. Good results will automatically follow.
On his stint in the German Hockey League with TG Frankenthal.
To put it in one word, it has helped me develop into an all-round player. Asian hockey is all about attackers attacking and defenders defending. But modern hockey is a blend of both attacking and defensive tactics where players are required to adapt to the situation – that is the style most of the non-Asian countries
follow. So playing in the German league helped me evolve as a player. It added new facets to my game and helped in my overall development.
On the influence Sardar Singh has had on Indian hockey and him.
Well… Sardar is truly an inspiration. You simply have to marvel at his abilities. He is always the first to enter the ground and the last to leave it during training sessions. His never-say-die attitude is a huge motivation for young players like me. But above all, it is his humility that makes him all the more special. Being great and humble is a combination you will rarely see.
Also the way he treats newcomers to the team. He immediately makes them feel at ease and helps them relax and play in a friendly atmosphere. He is always there to help you out and he always treats me like his younger brother.
On the most memorable moments of his hockey career.
Definitely my India debut (November 29, 2011) against China. I scored in that game. The other is the final against Pakistan where I got the winning goal and India got gold.
On goals he still wants to achieve.
Look, I have a long way to go to become a great player. Personally speaking, I would like to play at least 150 matches for India, score in as many of the games as I can and help India win 50-60% of those matches. Greatness is achieved through longevity and performance. So I have a long way to go. I still think that I haven’t reached the targets that I set for myself.
