SV Sunil is one of the most talented and dangerous forwards in the senior Indian hockey men’s team. He is an experienced campaigner of the game who will be a part of the Indian team going to Rio Olympics 2016 to represent the country in the game of hockey. Let us now take a look at 10 facts about the striker:
#1 Somwarpet Viyyalacharya Sunil was born on 6 May 1989 in Kodagu, Karnataka to an underprivileged family. He had to face many hardships as during his childhood days as he did not belong to a well to do family. His father worked as a carpenter, leaving the responsibility of taking care of Sunil and his brother on their mother Shanta. His brother later became a goldsmith.
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#2 He lost his mother at the tender age of 4 and had to take care of himself after that. He had a lot of difficulties growing up, and financial constraints always pulled him back. However, he was very passionate about hockey from a very young age and used bamboo instead of hockey sticks during his childhood.
#3 Sunil broke into the senior men’s hockey team as a forward in the 2007 Asia Cup which was held in Chennai. He proved lucky for his team with the hockey stick as India went on to win the tournament and was adjudged the best team of the event, thanks to their success.
#4 He was also part of the team that came second and won the silver medal at the 2008 edition of Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
#5 His hockey career received a major jolt when he injured his right knee in the run up to the 2010 World Cup. However, he did not lose heart and did everything possible to set his career back on track. He attended rehabilitations which helped him recuperate from his injury, and he eventually made a comeback after a year.
“It was a very bad injury. I could not even climb the steps. Thanks to Dr. B.K. Nayak and physio Shrikant Iyengar, who helped me a lot in overcoming the injury. The Sports Authority of India also helped me by bearing Rs. 4 lakh spent on my surgery.”
#6 The forward’s hard work and perseverance helped him earn fame and recognition in 2011, where he represented India in the Champion’s Challenge and scored four stunning goals, the most by any Indian striker.
“Right now, I am going through my peak. However, I am working on improving my receiving skill and accuracy in scoring.”
#7 He is one of the most experienced players in the Indian side and earned 187 international caps for his country, with 59 international goals to his name.
#8 In the inaugural season of Hockey India League, Sunil was bought by the Punjab Warriors for USD 42,000 at the auction. The base price of the highly sought after striker was USD 13,900.
#9 The supremely talented striker is considered to be one of the fastest forwards in the Indian side, and his fitness and commitment to the game has earned him praises from the national coaches as well.
“He is fabulous with his raids and tires the opponent defenders out by applying constant pressure. Besides, his sharp one-touch game inside the circle is too good.” Clarence Lobo, Assistant National Coach of Indian Hockey Team on Sunil.
#10 SV Sunil plays for Service and Karnataka in the domestic circuit. He is a selfless player who gives his 200% on the court, and he proved his seriousness towards the game by not missing out on the Alan Shah Cup in 2010 after his father’s demise and returning home with the gold medal.
