From Rourkela to the senior men\u2019s national coaching camp, the 22-year-old defender is embracing the next phase of his hockey journey. Having represented India twice at the Junior Hockey World Cup and featured in the bronze-medal finish at the recent Sultan of Johor Cup, Sunil now finds himself training among the country\u2019s elite.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt takes some getting used to. It\u2019s not easy,\u201d Sunil said about making the jump to the senior camp for the first time. \u201cThe physicality is much more, and the pace of the game is also very quick, so you need to adjust to that. There\u2019s a change in the skill level, too, so you need to train very hard. Now that I am here, I\u2019m learning to play this way,\u201d he was quoted as saying by Hockey India in a release on Wednesday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sunil identifies his game awareness and tackling as his key strengths, but remains focused on self-improvement. \u201cThe strongest parts of my game are awareness and tackling, but I know I need to work hard on my stamina and endurance to become the best player I can be.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Like many young Indian players, Sunil has long looked up to Indian hockey\u2019s maestro Manpreet Singh. Now training alongside him, Sunil is making the most of the opportunity to observe and learn.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI\u2019m with him a lot now, and I can learn a lot from him,\u201d he said. \u201cHe plays in multiple positions and roles, so I try to learn how he adapts to different situations.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With a clear goal in mind, Sunil added, \u201cI want to be a regular part of the Indian team and take part in all competitions going forward. Like most of us, my dream is to win medals for the country.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sunil was also picked by UP Rudras in the recently revived Hockey India League. Though his time on the pitch was limited, he valued the exposure. \u201cIt was a great opportunity. While I didn\u2019t get to play many matches, I learned a lot in the dressing room and training ground, and I hope to use that experience going forward.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
For Sunil, success at the top level goes beyond just physical training. \u201cI think the most important thing that the best players in the world have is mental focus. If you have that, then all your goals are achievable.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sunil was also picked by UP Rudras in the recently revived Hockey India League. Though his time on the pitch was limited, he valued the exposure. \u201cIt was a great opportunity. While I didn\u2019t get to play many matches, I learned a lot in the dressing room and training ground, and I hope to use that experience going forward.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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