'The silver medal at the Champions Trophy has instilled the confidence that we can match or even beat some of the best teams in the world.'
Devindar Walmiki is no stranger to hardship.
Brought up in a one-room apartment in Mumbai the talented midfielder has overcome adversity and injuries to steadily rise up the ranks and become a force to reckon with in Indian hockey.
Earlier this month, the 24 year old provided ample evidence of his utility as the Indian hockey team returned from the Champions Trophy with the silver medal.
His ability to control the midfield, assist in defence and attack was vital in the team's impressive showing in the tournament in London. The fine showing could well earn him a place in the squad for the Rio Olympics.
In an e-mail chat with Laxmi Negi/Rediff.com, Devindar cautions against complacency, insisting it is important that the team takes it one match at a time.
From sitting at the MHA (Mumbai Hockey Association) stadium and watching seniors play you have come a long way. How has the journey been?
It's been a relentless journey, full of hard work and determination. I have really been encouraged by my family. It is because of their support that I could endure my dream to play hockey.
I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to represent the country at major tournaments.
You have realised your dream of playing for the senior national team. Now you look good to make it to the squad for the Rio Olympics. Any memory close to your heart?
I think my maiden (international) goal I scored against France (in the FIH World League semi-finals in Antwerp last year) holds a special place.
How exciting was it to be part of India's Champions Trophy silver medal-winning team?
It's a historic feat. The Champions Trophy silver medal is a big confidence boost for the entire team, especially the youngsters in the team like myself, ahead of the Olympics.
It has instilled the confidence that we can match, or even beat, some of the best teams in the world.
We worked really hard over the past two, three years to get this kind of result.
Did the team miss Sardar Singh during the Champions Trophy?
Sardar is a seasoned player and his presence obviously is a big factor for the team. But I do not think the team depends on any one player as we perform as a unit. That has been the case over the past few tournaments.
Would the team's showing been better had he played in the tournament?
Like I said, the team does not depend on one single player, but performs as one unit.
You scored your first international goal in your debut against France. How did it feel after scoring that goal?
It was my debut match and I really wanted to make it count. I am happy I was able to convert that goal and help the team win. It gave me a lot of confidence.
You have almost made it to the Olympics...
Everyone at home is ecstatic. They are very excited for me and the team as we won India's first silver medal at the Champions Trophy.
The team for Rio is yet to be announced, so I asked them to hold their excitement until the final team is declared. They are really happy with my progress and constantly tell me they are proud.
How much do you talk to your brother about the matches you play? Do you analyse them with him after every game?
We talk quite often and we exchange our views at times, but I stick to following the plan our coach, Roelant Oltmans, has for me.
He has a plan for every player in the team and our mission is to execute it. Yuvraj understands that as a player.
You seen to be in almost every part of the field, scoring and then falling back. You also tried your hand at drag-flicking... which role do you enjoy the most?
I am enjoying my current role as a midfielder in the team.
Coach Roelant Oltmans has been emphasizing that the team needs to work on defence. What are the team's other weak points?
We will be further fine-tuning our game in every aspect ahead of the Olympics as we have a few more weeks to go, be it in PC (penalty corner) conversion, defence, attack and converting field goals.
Hockey powerhouse India badly needs a medal from the Rio Olympics to revive the sport in the country. Captain Sardar Singh also believes that the team can return with a medal.
At the London Olympics, India finished at the bottom of the 12-team competition. Is this team capable of at least a top four finish?
The team is high on confidence ever since we won the gold in the Asian Games. The bronze medal at the FIH World Hockey League was also a big result too. These two results were the stepping stones. The FIH Champions Trophy result was a great feat too.
However, we don't want to get complacent with big results that won us accolades in the past. It is what the coach tells us too.
We just want to take one match at a time and focus on executing specific plans the coach has for every opponent.
I believe if we manage to do that, then the results will definitely follow.
