Ever since his debut on the Sultan Azlah Shah Cup in April 2017, Sumit grew to become a daily within the Indian hockey crew. One of the fittest members within the squad, the 26-year-old performed an important function in India’s defence. Sumit’s crowning second got here in Tokyo in August 2021 when India ended a 41-year wait to win a hockey medal on the Olympics. The Haryana participant additionally performed the Asian Champions Trophy in December 2021 however following that, he fell out of favour of then chief coach Graham Reid and was dropped from the crew.
Sumit in motion for India.
Sumit performed solely 5 of the 16 Pro League matches within the 2021-22 and was not picked for the 2022 CWG in Birmingham. “It was a very difficult phase. I spoke to the coach. He said I was not able to fit into the team. I kept practicing and thought I will make a comeback at the CWG, but I wasn’t selected. I wasn’t even on the standby list,” stated Sumit, who hails from Kurar village in Sonipat.
Sumit noticed some hope when he was chosen to play three Pro League matches in Bhubaneswar in October-November 2022 towards Spain and New Zealand. He thought he was again within the reckoning when he was chosen for the tour of Australia in November-December 2022. But there too Sumit performed solely two out of 5 video games, that too out of his common place.
“The coach performed me in defence in a single match and within the second as an attacking midfielder,” said Sumit.
Coming from humble means – his father was a labourer who was out of work for several months a year – Sumit is used to tough experiences in life. He even worked as a cleaner in a dhaba in Murthal (in Haryana) as a teen. But he said none of his early experiences were as painful as not getting selected for the World Cup in January this year at home.
“I wasn’t even on the standby list once again. I was shocked. It was extremely disappointing,” stated Sumit.
But Sumit saved working onerous. He centered on his fundamental expertise, his effectiveness across the putting circle and enhance the variety of pictures on aim. He additionally labored extensively on penalty corners, tips on how to keep the defensive construction and deal with opposition gamers exterior the circle.
Reid stop his job following the World Cup debacle the place India completed joint ninth – the worst end by a bunch nation on the quadrennial occasion. Following that Sumit obtained a recent lease of life when interim coach David John introduced him again into the crew for 3 Pro League matches towards newly topped world champions Germany and Australia in Rourkela in March. India had gained all three matches.
“I was back playing in the defence. I performed well. It was a comeback for me. I gained confidence by performing well and helping the team win. It felt good,” stated Sumit, who has performed 95 internationals.
New chief coach Craig Fulton seen Sumit’s efficiency in Rourkela and picked him for 3 Pro League matches towards hosts Netherlands and Argentina in Eindhoven earlier this month. “It goes properly below the brand new coach. He is involved in speaking to every participant, doesn’t matter who’s senior or junior. He retains in contact with everybody. It is an excellent factor for the crew,” added Sumit.
Sumit now aims to represent India at the Asian Games, win gold and help the team qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
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Source: www.hindustantimes.com
