Interview: Danish Mujtaba undergoes knee surgery, to miss Asia Cup

Danish Mujtaba of India celebrates his goal during the match vs. New Zealand on day two of the Champions Trophy on December 2, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Getty Images)

Only a few months back Danish Mujtaba was catapulted into national attention when he was named the captain of the senior men’s hockey team for the 22nd Sultan Azlan Shah Cup held in Ipoh, Malaysia.

Things were indeed looking up for Danish, but he walked on the disappointing path injuring himself during India’s exposure tour of the Netherlands suffering a serious knee injury, which put him out of the national side for the 1st Hockey World League semi-finals in Rotterdam.

The severity of the injury meant that Danish had to undergo a surgery on his right knee. And the worst possible news was waiting to emerge.

The Indian striker was confirmed to be out of competitive action for at least six months, effectively putting him out of the reckoning for the country’s Asia Cup campaign, which is their last chance of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup.

Understandably, Danish is gutted but is taking things in his stride.

“You can’t control injuries; it is something that is bound to happen for any player. I underwent a surgery on my right knee last Thursday and it went off well. I will be out action for at least six months,” Danish told Sportskeeda.

The striker, who works as a Sports Officer for Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited won’t be seen donning the blue jersey this year. He said: “That is certain; hopefully I will come back strongly in 2014.”

The Indian forward line-has been crippled by injuries in recent times. Gurwinder Singh Chandi is another one who is sitting out with a rather prolonged ankle injury. “Both of us missed the Rotterdam event, but I hope he is available for the Asia Cup,” he said.

The nimble-footed striker, who turned out for Delhi Waveriders in the inaugural Hero Hockey India League, is eyeing a return in its second edition. “Realistically, I hope I can be back for the second edition of the Hero Hockey India League. I’m keeping my fingers crossed,” he added.

Startlingly, Danish was included in the list of 48 probables announced by Hockey India selectors for the upcoming Asia Cup camp on Tuesday.