India’s hockey goalkeeper Suraj Karkera has said that it is going to be difficult to fill the shoes of legendary PR Sreejesh but he will try to give his 100 per cent in the men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2021, starting in Dhaka from December 14.
three time champion India He will start his campaign against South Korea on the first day of the tournament.
The 26-year-old, who joined the Indian team after nearly two years, said he is excited to wear the Indian jersey again. The Mumbai player last played for the country in the 2019 Tokyo Olympics test event.
“I am really excited to get a chance to play for India after a long time. Whenever you get a chance to wear the Indian jersey, your hair goes up. I am not nervous at all because we have trained well. I feel confident about myself and my abilities,” Karkera said on Saturday.
Karkera will succeed Sreejesh, who was a key player in India’s historic bronze medal-winning performance at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
“PR Sreejesh has done a lot for India over the years. It’s always getting harder to fill your shoes. But whenever I get a chance I will try to give my 100 percent. So, I have a big responsibility.”
Apart from vice-captain Harmanpreet Singh and veteran Varun Kumar, India have also included young players like Jarmanpreet Singh, Deepson Tirkey, Neelam Sanjeev Zess and Mandeep Mor in the squad.
Karkera expressed confidence in India’s defense.
“Everyone in defense knows their duties and the roles they have to play. Goalkeeping is my duty and my field. So, of course, it is important from my side to maintain communication along the line of defence,” Karkera said.
This will be India’s first competition after the Tokyo Olympics. Speaking on India’s prospects in the tournament, Karkera said that the team will take it one match at a time.
“Our target is to win the trophy. We will take it match by match, no matter which team we are facing. We will try not to think about the consequences and keep our mind clear. We are going to play the tournament after a long time. So obviously the players are fresh and excited to perform.”
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