HS Mohith has already made a name for himself as a goalkeeper. Who can forget the high-pressure shootout against Australia in the Pro League or the penalty shootout against Pakistan in the Junior Asia Cup?
Ahead of the Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands, the budding star took time out to share anecdotes about his interesting hockey journey, learning from the greats of the game and much more.
To start with, how did you feel after being selected for the India squad for the Hockey World Cup?
I was proud of myself that I got the opportunity to represent my country in this World Cup. My family was proud, which made me feel happy. I am excited to be a part of this campaign.
Can you share your experience of watching India play at their previous World Cup at home?
At the last World Cup, I was in the junior camp. I was watching the match and it was unlucky for us in the shootout. I always expected that I would represent India in a major tournament. I was focused from my junior career on representing India in major tournaments. With that mindset, I kept working for three to four years. That is how I got the opportunity here, I guess. I am happy about that.
There is an interesting backstory to how you got into hockey. Can you take us through your journey?
First, I got selected for volleyball because of my height. Then, the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports in Hassan didn’t have a goalkeeper. Actually, they had the players, but they didn’t have someone with the height to play as a goalkeeper. So, they went to the volleyball coach and asked for one guy. I came forward and said, ‘I will be the one.’
I went to the state-level tournament with them and we finished second. But then I came back to volleyball. To continue in volleyball, I needed more height, and I didn’t have that. So, I had to come back to goalkeeping in hockey. I attended the selections and got selected.
On a slightly light-hearted note, I believe you also wanted to be a forward at a young age…
I was a little kid at that time; it is a funny story. Little kids do stupid stuff (laughs). Thank God the coach didn’t let me do that. He said, ‘You try one year as a goalkeeper. You can’t change places like that. We can’t make another player a goalkeeper. One year of training will go to waste.’
I said, ‘No worries, coach. I will continue as the goalkeeper.’
After the 10th standard, I had a couple of tournaments as a goalkeeper. At that time, I got to know that this is a tough job. After some time, I started enjoying being a goalkeeper. From 10th standard until now, I have been enjoying my goalkeeping journey. It has been a wonderful journey.
How about your experiences of playing at a junior level? Any memories to share?
After the Asia Cup at junior level, we won the match against Pakistan in the penalty shootout and I got the award for the best goalkeeper. At that time, my focus was to get a podium finish in the Junior World Cup. We didn’t get a podium finish and fell short; we came fourth.
There was a shift in my mindset: ‘What is done is done. I have to focus on playing for the senior team.’ Getting into the camp, improving myself and representing India in major tournaments became my focus.
You have trained with PR Sreejesh, while also sharing a dressing room with Vincent Vanasch at Soorma Hockey Club. What have you learnt from these great goalkeepers?
Just being with them improves your game. Seeing them play and having them support us — certain little things can change your game.
Being with Sree bhai also helped me with my basics and communication skills. I always admired him.
With Vini, he is a different style of goalkeeper. His style is different. I learnt a lot from him, both on and off the field. His intent is to stop the goal. I have learnt what we should do in terms of improving my goalkeeping. He has given me tips and little tactical things.
You spoke about Vanasch’s style being different. So, tell us a little more about his methods and the insights he shared with you…
We keep our hands up. His hands are always down, so that is where his style is different. Although he isn’t much of an aggressive goalkeeper, he stays back, near the boundary. We tend to be more above the line, more towards the ball, but he always stays on the line. He is relaxed and calm.
Last but not least, how is the mood in the Indian camp ahead of the World Cup? How do you look at the preparations going into the tournament?
We have always been preparing for this tournament. We played the World Champions, the Netherlands, England and Pakistan in the Pro League. It was a great experience. England and Pakistan are in the World Cup pool, so we played accordingly.
We applied certain strategies which may help us in the World Cup. I think we will get positive results in this World Cup.
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