Have always looked up to Chetri & Sreejesh, says goalkeeper Pawan

BENGALURU: One of the most important roles on a hockey field is that of a goalkeeper, and for 19-year-old Pawan, it is a role that he loves to play when he's performing against the best teams in the world.

"I feel privileged to have reached where I have at this stage of my life. I feel very blessed to be playing for the Indian junior men's hockey team, and I aim to keep working hard for my team and my country, and one day do these things all over again for the senior team," said Pawan, who is part of the Indian junior men's hockey team's core probables group training at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) facility.

"I think what I really enjoy the most about goalkeeping is how much influence you can have on a match and on your teammates. I've always been told to be very vocal on the field, and when you are in that position on the field, you can see each and every action unfolding in front of you, so it makes it easier for the goalkeepers to dictate and command from the back. Another aspect I really enjoy is the kind of adrenaline rush that goes into making saves, and being there between the posts against some of the best attacking players in the world," added Pawan.

The youngster had made his junior team debut for India at the 8-Nations Invitational Tournament held in Spain in 2019, before also going on to win the silver medal at the 9th Sultan of Johor Cup later that year.

Talking about the abundance of goalkeeping legends he admires, Pawan said, "I think Indian hockey has always been known for its excellent goalkeepers. I remember seeing legends like Devesh Chauhan, Adrian D'Souza while growing up, and then Bharat Chetri and PR Sreejesh, who are also people I look up to."

"From my own state, we've got Savita in the women's team, so I've been fortunate to have been able to communicate with a few of these experienced players, and it has always given me immense confidence whenever I've had the chance to have some conversations," he added.

With the Junior World Cup scheduled for 2021, Pawan said he hopes to cement a spot in the Indian team, and wants to emulate what some of the past winners have been able to do. IANS

Also Read: Indian men's hockey team end 2020 at 4th spot

Also Watch: 'It was either die or surrender situation': Surrendered ULFI (I) Dy chief Drishti Asom