Two years back, serious hip and hamstring injuries had almost finished high-flying Yuvraj Walmiki’s young career. Then, the 23-year-old had said ‘I almost feel like giving up hockey’ signalling his dismay. But, the Mumbai lad is back and looks in good touch while playing for Delhi Waveriders in the ongoing HIl. He talks to Abhishek Purohit about form, fitness and future.
How difficult was that period when you were out of the team due to injuryIJ
It was a tough phase for me. I was playing well at that time when injury let me down. later, I got dropped from the national team as well and had to go for a hamstring surgery and rehabilitation after that. But the saddest and hardest part of it was missing out on my childhood dream — playing at the Olympics. Had I been fit, I know I would have been to on the flight for london Games.
Tell us more about that period. Are you totally fit nowIJ
It was difficult but as a professionals, I took it in my stride. I had to fight it back and that I did. I had to sit out of the field for almost nine months. After that I got back to training. I slowly started working on regaining my fitness and later started practicing. Then, I played a couple of domestic tournaments to get some form.
What kept you goingIJ
I cleared all doubts and fears from my mind and support from my family only helped. I was in constant touch with my friends who kept telling me not to lose focus. The support of my family and friends boosted my confidence. At such times, the support is extremely important.
You had said that you felt like quitting…
Yes, I regret saying that and now I feel that I should not have spoken those words. It was a difficult time took its toll on me emotionally and probably that’s the reason why I said those things.
After you were out of the team, other strikers like Mandeep Singh, Ramandeep Singh and Nithin Thimmaiah have impressed. So, how do you see the challengeIJ
It’s good for Indian hockey. All the players who are playing in the team are good and with all of us competing for places, makes for healthy environment in the camp. Mandeep, especially is a class act. He is young and is one for the future.
How will you evaluate your performance in the HWl Final and the Hockey India leagueIJ
It feels good to make a comeback. I was satisfied with my performance in the HWl Final. Of course I could have done better but that was my first big tournament with all tough opponents and I was pleased with the way things turned out for me. Also, I am happy with the way I have performed here the HIl. I am fully fit now and in rhythm. I really feel like getting there and it is good to get my name on the scoresheet.
How would you rate your team, Delhi Waveriders’ performance this yearIJ
last year, we had finished runners-up which was a good performance and this year as well, the team is looking good. We have had some changes this year but we are confident of reaching the semifinal this time as well. We started this edition slightly slowly unlike last year but it can happen with every team as all conteders in the HIl are strong getting better day by day. We have been enjoying the company of our foreign recruits and are learning and improving consistently. last year, we had peaked and played brilliantly in the initial matches but lost a bit of rhythm later on to lose the final. We have learnt from the experience and this year we have decided to take it slowly and get into the semifinal and take it from there. We really want to win this season.
With so many tournaments coming up in the year, have you set any specific goalsIJ
I am now more aware of my strengths and would want to stay injury-free and play for in the upcoming World Cup, Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games among other crucial tournaments.