Getting the turf going

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If one mulls over a rags to riches story, Indian hockey player Yuvraj Walmiki, 23, can be one of the best contenders for this change in fortunes. A prominent face of the Indian hockey squad, Yuvraj did not know what comfort was till the Asian Champions Trophy turned the tide for him.

That one tournament changed the life of this happy-go-lucky boy, who picked up a hockey stick just to see his name and photograph in a newspaper. However, the arduous journey was worth the struggle, for it brought smiles on his parents’ face.
The lad from a modest shanty on Marine Drive did not know what hockey was till childhood friend Boon D’Souza introduced him to it. “I was in class VII when Boon, a very close friend of mine, showed me his picture in a newspaper.
It was a stamp-size picture but we both were so excited. That day I decided that I will also play hockey,” recalls Yuvraj. He was introduced to his future coach Marzban Patel or Bawa, as he is called. Bawa mentored Yuvraj, who could not afford any of the gear. “My shoes, hockey stick, ball and everything else related to the game was sponsored by sir. All I had was the passion to play and my parents’ permission,” he says.
His modest background never came in the way of his passion. “My father never let me feel the crunch. He made sure we got everything we wanted — education in an English medium school, good clothes and his time. I remember we always got branded clothes. We got less but the best,” says Yuvraj, adding, “The day I told him I want to play hockey, he was happy and encouraged me. Money was never a concern. Whatever little we had, we were happy with it.” Besides the unconditional support, his family upped his morale too. “My father always says, ‘don’t forget what we were, no matter how big you become.’ He still tells me to keep my feet firmly on the ground. And why won’t I learn from a man of principles who did not change despite getting the comforts. Now I am taking care of my family.
My father still works as a private chauffeur with a businessman. He never left his work,” shares Yuvraj.
“When I returned from the Asia Cup, I got a hero’s welcome. Shiv Sena and BMC helped and allowed me to rebuild my home,” says Yuvraj. With the monetary help and permissions, Yuvraj was able to rebuild his one-room house and even bought a car. “It gives me immense pleasure to see my parents, who toiled for us, living comfortably,” says Yuvraj.
But this is not the end of the journey; Yuvraj has a long way to go. “I want to build a bigger house for my family. I can never forget where I came from, but I want to give my parents everything,” he adds.
He still has the same friends and hangs out, goes for movies, does boy stuff. But now he has become a recognised face. “I can’t take a walk on the beach like earlier. Now people recognise me,” he says.
With his eyes set on World Cup 2014, Yuvraj is preparing to do his best. “I missed some tournaments due to injury and could not go to FIH Men’s World League as I missed the qualifier as it was my brother’s wedding. But I am working hard. I train every day. I am focused on my goals,” says the Mumbai star.