Monday, December 2, 2013

Semifinals is within our grasp, says Indian junior hockey team vice captain Amit Rohidas


The mantle of vice captaincy brings with it additional responsibility besides contributing to the side as a team member. And Amit Rohidas, the Indian junior men’s hockey team vice captain for the 10th Hero Junior World Cup hockey tournament, is looking forward to thriving on his new responsibility.

“It feels good to be vice captain of the Indian team for the tournament as big as the Junior World Cup. I will try my best to give all possible support to my captain Manpreet Singh and contribute in my team faring well in the big-ticket event,” he says in an exclusive interview to Hockey Passion.

The 19-year-old defender, who hails from the Saunamura village in Odisha, sees no reason why India cannot make it to the semifinals and beyond. “We have got a good team this time around. I’m sure we can fare well and reach the semifinals if we play well collectively. With little bit of luck we can even go the distance,” he says with candour.

A product of Rourkela-based Panposh Sports Hostel, Amit says his team have put in the hard yards at the World Cup preparatory camp. “We have really slogged and tried to be in best shape physically. Coach Gregg Clarke has mentored us nicely and we hope to do well in the World Cup,” he quips.

Amit had a forgettable run in the 9th Asia Cup in Ipoh for the senior men’s team, struggling to score from his penalty corners. But at the 3rd Sultan of Johor Cup in Johor Bahru and at the 3rd Asian Champions Trophy in Kakimigahara, Japan, the Odisha lad came into his own, not only acquitting himself well as a fullback, but also scoring from short corners. “I don’t know what happened to me in the 9th Asia Cup. I struggled to be at my best. I thought I did pretty well at the 3rd Sultan of Johor Cup and at the 3rd Asian Champions Trophy in Kakimigahara.”

Penalty corner goals are going to hold the key in the Junior World Cup. Hockey India had drafted in ace drag-flicker Sandeep Singh to work closely with the Indian fullbacks. “Sandeep bhai was with us for a few days at the camp. He focused on how to dodge the goalkeeper. He also stressed the importance of observing the goalkeeper’s movements when a short corner is awarded as it can help to know which side (right or left) is his strength,” he remarks.

The Ranchi Rhinos player is aware of the expectations from the home fans. “The World Cup is played at home and hockey fans will expect a lot from us. We hope not to disappoint them,” he fires a parting shot.

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