He is one of the live wires in the Indian men’s hockey team – Devinder Walmiki exudes the impression of being a multi-utility player – put him in defence, midfield or up front – he will not cease impressing you – be it a killer defence-splitting pass, a superb tackle or a timely ball distribution.
The 23-year-old Mumbai lad – the younger brother of India discard Yuvraj Walmiki – made his senior international debut at the 2015 Hockey World League Semifinal Round in Belgium, where he scored on his debut against France.
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Employed with Central Railways, Devinder had to miss the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup owing to a shoulder injury but marking a comeback in the Champions Trophy in London.
Devinder spoke about the upcoming Rio Olympics and much more in an exclusive interview and here are a few excerpts:
Q: How satisfying feeling it is to represent your country in the Olympics?
It’s an absolute honour to play for your country in the Olympics. There cannot be any ‘highs’ than playing in the Olympics – the biggest event on the world stage It is difficult to describe my feelings in words. It is after twelve years a player from Mumbai is playing in the Olympics after Adrian D’Souza and Viren Rasquinha.
Q: How has your family members reacted to your Olympic selection?
The entire family is super excited to know that I will be playing in the Rio Olympics. My parents are happy to see me make the cut for Rio Olympics – same with my elder brother Yuvraj Walmiki – I learnt my hockey from him and he has been my mentor always telling me on the nitty-gritty of the game.
Q: Four years back, Yuvraj Walmiki missed the London Olympics owing to a hamstring injury. You were also coming off a shoulder injury rehab – some kind of poetic justice for Walmiki household?
Yuvi missed it by a whisker four years back but I'm just happy to be playing the Olympics.
Q: Do you think Yuvraj can make a comeback to the Indian team?
He is working very hard and he has age on his side. I have no doubts that he will back in the national team soon.
Q: How important it is to come up with clean tackling inside your own ‘D’?
It is really significant not to resort to any rough tackling inside your own ‘D’ simply it can lead to unwanted set-pieces like penalty corners or strokes. I’m working on it to ensure infringement-free clearances, especially when the ball is in our half or striking circle.
Q: With two medals – silver and bronze in last two FIH-sanctioned events, do you think the self-belief in the team is swelling all the time?
Of course, it is. The boys are pumped up for the Rio Olympics and are working hard to live up to the expectations of all. We have beaten all top sides in the last year or so and clearly, we are high on confidence.
Q: The final leg of the Olympic preparations is on in Bengaluru – what are the areas you guys are focusing on?
Well, you can’t do anything from scratch at this stage of our preparations – we are following a systematic training schedule – looking to fine-tune what we have doing during training sessions.
Q: The format of the 2016 Rio Olympics sees the team playing in the quarterfinals – what’s your take?
I don’t think any side is keen to face India in the quarterfinal as they know we are capable of upsetting the applecart of any team. India is a dangerous side and this format will work to our advantage.
