‘Would like to play ’16 Olympics too’

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In 2010, striker S.V. Sunil had all but lost his way in international hockey. A knee injury during the preparatory camp for the 2010 World Cup at home forced the youngster out of the team, and hopes of his return looked grim when injury specialist Dr Anant Joshi said “his injury was one he had never witnessed before”.

“I dread those days when I think about them,” says Sunil, who will now be representing India at the London Olympics. “It was the hardest period of my career and my life, as I wasn’t even sure if I would be able to walk properly one day.”
Extreme home conditions and four siblings to take care of meant Sunil could not give up. “I knew I had to carry on... my pain, my problems were secondary. I had to support my family, and the only thing I knew was hockey. I vowed to return for them, despite my condition,” says the 24-year- old, who lost his mother at an early age.
A determined Sunil returned to the Indian squad in 2011, and has gone from strength to strength from there on.
Today, he is among the seniormost forwards of the country and someone coach Michael Nobbs and his team-mates look up to in adverse situations.
Circumstance do not seem to have broken his will, as the ever-smiling striker talks about his struggle, his wish to take actor Sonam Kapoor out for dinner, and the desire to represent India in at least one more Olympic Games.

Sports played: Hockey, hockey and only hockey.
Most memorable sporting moment: The Asia Cup in 2007, it was my debut tournament and we won the gold. It was special.
Worst sporting moment: The 2010 World Cup camp where I suffered a knee injury during training, and was ruled out of the team. It deprived me of hockey for almost one-and-a-half years.
Questions most asked by the public/press: How I manage to run so fast during matches.
Sporting heroes: Dhanraj Pillay and Major Dhyanchand, who gave their best for the country. Usain Bolt is also an excellent athlete, who has inspired me with his speed and accuracy.
Favourite venues: I love to play on my home turfs in Coorg and Bengaluru.
A sport you would pay to watch: Football and tennis are my favourites.
What if not a hockey player? I have given my blood and sweat for hockey from a young age. So it’s tough to think even in my dreams what I would have been if not for this sport.
Biggest regret: The knee injury in 2010 which held me back from participating in major events like the World Cup, the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games. I rue missing these tournaments.
Who would you most like to invite to dinner and why? I would like to invite Sonam Kapoor as I admire her acting skills.
Person you learnt most from: My father has been a great inspiration and motivation for taking up hockey as a profession. From a young age, he taught me to be disciplined, punctual and to respect my profession and elders as these are keys to success for one’s career. Today my parents are no more, but I owe all my success to them. Without their blessings I wouldn’t have reached this height.
How would you like to be remembered? As the best forward of Indian hockey.
Other interests in life: I like hanging out with friends, watching movies and surfing the net.
What do you never leave home without? Blessings from my family.
A habit you wish to get rid of: I am very short-tempered.
Favourite actors: Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif.
Any superstition? I only believe in myself, and that’s my greatest asset.
Where do you see yourself in five years? If luck favours, I would like to play even the next Olympics and to become the best striker in the world. I will also help, encourage and motivate our younger generation to take up the national sport.
One thing that frightens you the most: Without doubt, I am very scared of injuries as they deprive you of valuable time in the national team.
Sporting motto: Never let a win get to your head or a loss to your heart.