Indian custodian Suraj Karkera who has been included in Indian Men’s Hockey team squad for the Asian Champions Trophy is looking forward to making a strong comeback in the blue jersey. Karkera, 26, last played for India back in the Tokyo Olympics test event back in 2019. Therefore his return to the Indian team after two years will be very crucial for the 26-year old.
“I am really excited to get a chance to play for India after a long time. Anytime you get a chance to don the Indian jersey, you feel the goosebumps. I am not nervous at all as we have trained well. I feel confident about myself and my abilities,” said the Indian custodian.
However, Karkera understands the situation and the challenges that come his way with this selection. The Mumbai based Hockey player will have to slot in for India’s legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh as the veteran custodian is rested for these tournaments.
“PR Sreejesh has done so much for India for so many years. It is always going to be hard to fill his shoes. But I will try to give my 100 percent whenever I get an opportunity,” Karkera highlighted.
“We have been learning from him for so long. He shares his knowledge with all of us during goalpost training and gives us a lot of tips. So, I have a big responsibility,” he added.
The Indian team have included a lot of young players including the likes of Jarmanpreet Singh, Dipsan Tirkey, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, and Mandeep Mor. The youngsters will be led by vice captain Harmanpreet Singh and Varun Kumar. The main aim of Hockey India is to give a platform to the youngsters to showcase their talent for the senior team.
India’s defence will be under the scanner after the retirement of Rupinder Pal Singh and Birendra Lakra. They were two of India’s best defenders over the years as both of them are hanging their boots, which leaves a huge voice at the back for India. However, Karkera has complete belief in India’s defence.
“Everyone in the defence knows their duties and roles they have to play. Goalkeeping is my duty and my zone. So, of course, it is important on my part to keep communicating with the defence line,” Suraj Karkera concluded.
