Rink hockey star Suraj returns to India fold with Asian Hockey 5s Qualifier

India goalkeeper Suraj Karkera

Mumbai-based hockey goalkeeper Suraj Karkera has returned to the India fold with a call-up for the Asian Hockey 5s World Cup Qualifier to be held in Oman from August 29 to September 2.

Karkera, 27, last played for the country at the 2022 Asia Cup in Jakarta, where India finished third. He has been in and out of the national camp since, with goalkeepers PR Sreejesh and Krishan Pathak manning the post.

Interestingly, Malad resident Karkera used his time away from the national set-up to play rink hockey which is highly popular in the city, and excelled in it. He now believes his top form there will keep him in good stead for the international tournament. "Last year, I played for two teams in two different rink hockey tournaments in Mumbai - Bombay Republicans and Uncle's Kitchen United. With Republicans, we finished runners-up at the Savio 5s in Andheri, while with UK United, we won the Mount Carmel's rink hockey tournament. Both were very competitive tournaments," Karkera tells mid-day over the phone from the national camp in Bangalore.

Mandeep Mor to lead

The Indian team will be led by Mandeep Mor while Mohammed Raheel Moudeen will be vice-captain.

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Unlike field hockey, where a goalkeeper can afford to relax a bit when the ball is in the opposition half, in rink hockey, there is no time or space to relax. Karkera enjoys this speed aspect of the shorter version of the game. "There are a lot of similarities between rink hockey and the Asian Hockey 5s. Rink hockey is a five-a-side format as is the Asian Hockey 5s. Also, just like rink hockey, there will be boards on all sides at the Asian Hockey 5s. It'll be fast as the ball will not go out just like rink hockey. You have to be on your toes throughout. I enjoy the speed factor and can be up on my feet quickly. Also, diving comes naturally to me," he adds.

Can score from anywhere

There is one major difference between the two formats though. "In rink hockey only pushes are allowed, no taps or hits, and you can only score a goal from inside the striking circle. In Asian Hockey 5s, you can score from anywhere and anyhow, so I have to look out for those big hits or drag flicks at all times. That's something I've been practising hard for," he signs off.

India team for Asian Hockey 5s
Mandeep Mor (captain), Mohammed Raheel Moudeen (vice-captain), Suraj Karkera (goalkeeper), Jugraj Singh, Dipsan Tirkey, Manjeet, Maninder Singh, Pawan Rajbhar, Gurjot Singh. Coach: CB Janardhan.