After making his debut in the Asia Cup 2013, NIKKIN THIMMAIAH has been a regular in the national team. A consistent goal-scorer, the striker from Chembebelloor, Virajpet Taluk of Kodagu district in Karnataka is a product of SAI Bangalore. He is currently part of the training camp in the Capital for the probables list for the FIH World Cup which starts from May 31st. The 23-year old spoke to ABHISHEK PUROHIT about the team's preparation and more. Excerpts
How would sum up India’s World Cup preparatory tour to The NetherlandsIJ
It was a very good learning experience for us. We got a lot of idea about the things to expect at the World Cup. After playing at the venue which will host the World Cup, we now know about the playing conditions, pitches and climate. Irrespective of the results, we learned a lot about what we need to do while taking on the teams from Europe. In Holland, even the club-level game is fast and they play the game of holding the ball. We tried to adapt to the requirements of the conditions as quickly as we could.
What are the areas you are focusing on after the European tourIJ
At present, we are focusing more on improving our fitness. Fitness is something we are not so great at but we are getting better. Our trainers are helping us out with different sets of exercises and drills. Our fitness levels have gone up certainly but we need to improve further.
Apart from this, we are practicing to develop our overall game. We are having different sessions for goal-scoring techniques, possession play, tactical game and defence sharpness. There are not many days to go before the World Cup starts and we are working hard to sharpen our skills.
Within a year of joining the preparatory camp for Asia Cup in August 2013, you have made your mark and are now a regular striker in the team. How do you see your progressIJ
Being with the national team has been a great experience. I have scored some goals and I feel I did my job. I do whatever the team and the coach ask me to which ultimately means to do well for the team.
During your first appearance in the national camp, current high performance director Roelant Oltmans was in-charge of the team and later you impressed him a lot and also played for Hockey India league side Uttar Pradesh Wizards, a team which the Dutchman coaches. How did that help in your causeIJ
Oltmans has been a great guiding force. When I was new to the national team, he helped me understand and adjust to the rigours of international hockey. It was not easy for someone like me, coming from domestic circuit, to fit into the national team which plays the game harder and faster. The more time I spent with the team, I think I got better.
How do you see the competition for places in the teamIJ
It is good for Indian hockey. The more the competition, the better we will be. No one should take their place for granted. Actually no one is guaranteed a place as everyone is doing well to stake his claim.
You are considered a late bloomer as you started playing hockey at the age of 11 but moved to athletics when you were 15. How does that help your game nowIJ
At the age of 11, I started playing hockey. But four years later I shifted to athletics. I was a 400 metres runner and I even won a silver at the Open Nationals. A year later my father C.T Aiyanna who was a national camper, persuaded me to play hockey again. I think as I was a sprinter, it helps me in my speed and quick movement inside the field. The endurance training I underwent seven years back is helping me a lot as a hockey player.
In 2010, you were not even a regular member of the Karnataka team but you found a place in the national team in 2013. How did you manage to do thatIJ
Before the 2011 national championships, I thought I needed to do something special to get into the national team. Hence, I prepared well and that year went really well.
Then, the Nationals later on was also a tournament where my performance was good. With the guidance of Sports Authority of India coaches Ashwath sir, Prabhakar sir and AB Subbiah, my performance was decent. Those tournaments gave me a lot of confidence.
This year has a lot of important competitions including the World Cup, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and Champions TrophyIJ How do you see the challengeIJ
We will prepare for the tournaments in the best of manner and will give it our best.