"For Kodavas, hockey is a sport that runs in the blood" - CB Poovanna as Indians prepare to defend Sultan of Johor Cup title
CB Poovanna, a debutant in the victorious outfit that created history by winning the 2022 edition of the Sultan of Johor Cup, is now eager to help his team defend the title in Malaysia. CB Poovanna, a 21-year-old Indian hockey player, is eager to help his team defend their Sultan of Johor Cup title in Malaysia. He was a debutant in the team that won the 2022 edition of the Sultan of Johannesor Cup and credits his experience to Coorg-based veterans like SV Sunil and Arjun Halappa during his formative years. His rise was evident when he earned a spot in the Hockey Bangalore team after being selected by SAI but decided to train harder after failing to make the next grade. Eventually, he was selected for the Hockey Karnataka squad and is now heading to Johor Bahru to defend India's title. The 2023 Sultan of Jolor Cup begins on October 27 with the Indians facing Pakistan in their Pool B opener, while Australia, Great Britain, Germany, and South Africa are in Pool A.
نشرت : منذ عامين بواسطة Subhashish Majumdar في Sports
CB Poovanna, a debutant in the victorious outfit that created history by winning the 2022 edition of the Sultan of Johor Cup, is now eager to help his team defend the title in Malaysia.
Passionate, eloquent, and analytical with a mature head on young shoulders, the 21-year-old from Kodagu feels blessed to have practised alongside Coorg-based veterans like SV Sunil and Arjun Halappa during his formative years.
Over the course of an exclusive interaction with Sportskeeda, the young midfielder traces his hockey journey back to the time when he dreamt of making it to the family team in Coorg while also looking back at the Johor Bahru win last year.
Being granted admission to track and field athlete Ashwini Nachappa's KALS (Karaumbiah's Academy for Learning and Sports) was a game changer for the young hockey aspirant who got to rub shoulders with the best in the business.
The rise was evident as CB Poovanna earned a spot in the Hockey Bangalore team after having been selected by SAI but decided to train harder after failing to make the next grade.
An eventual place in the Hockey Karnataka squad led to Poovanna realising his dream after being selected in the team headed to Johor Bahru.
"At SAI, we played against an ex-India XI which boasted names like SV Sunil" - CB Poovanna describes the Coorg pedigree
Some of India's best hockey talent has been nurtured in Coorg which boasts of having produced a host of legendary names. Unsurprisingly, Poovanna describes with an unmistakable sense of pride what it meant for him to have rubbed shoulders with the former India internationals.
The Karnataka player also recalled fellow midfielder and "exceptional" Bangalore boy Mohammed Raheel coming over to Coorg while still in school to play a tournament there. Raheel donned India colours under the tutelage of Graham Reid last year.
"CR Kumar has been exceptional as a coach" - CB Poovanna
Several Indian players in the men's and women's camp have been tutored by veteran hockey coach CR Kumar who is now in charge of the junior boys. CB Poovanna was all praise for the committed coach who helped shape his career.
Headed to Johor Bahru to defend India's title at the 2023 Sultan of Johor Cup, CB Poovanna cannot help reminiscing about the glory of his debut international tournament victory.
A scintillating 5-5 draw against Great Britain witnessed Poovanna scoring a 7th-minute equalizer after the opposition had taken the lead in the opening minute of play.
"It felt as if the hard work really paid off for us" - CB Poovanna turns the clock back in the big final against Australia
Six goals were scored in a frantic final quarter with the Indian boys finding the back of the net four times before taking on Australia in the big final.
CB Poovanna opined that Australia's equalising goal against India wasn't legitimate but goes on to describe the pulsating shootout during which the Indians achieved victory.
The 2023 Sultan of Johor Cup begins on October 27 with the Indians facing Pakistan in their Pool B opener. Malaysia and New Zealand are also in Pool B while Australia, Great Britain, Germany, and South Africa find themselves in Pool A.
Will defending the title add to the pressure for captain Uttam Singh and co.?
The final of the tournament is scheduled to be played on November 4 at Johor Bahru.
المواضيع: Hockey