N Mukesh Kumar recalls hockey journey ahead of centenary celebrations

Triple Olympian N Mukesh Kumar shares his fond memories and regrets ahead of India’s hockey centenary celebrations. Reflecting on his career, Mukesh highlights key moments, including his quickest Olympic goal, and discusses the current state of hockey in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: India celebrates the centenary of hockey in grand style starting from Friday, and Hyderabad can proudly boast of two of the sport’s biggest names – triple Olympian N Mukesh Kumar and 1996 Atlanta Olympics goalkeeper Edwards Alloysius.

When the 50-year-old Mukesh, who holds the record for scoring the fastest goal in Olympic history in just 32 seconds at the 2000 Sydney Games, looks back, he surely has some fond memories.

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The famed right-winger of yesteryears, whose wife Nidhi was also an Asian Games gold medallist in hockey, credits his success to coach Abharanam at the Sports Hostel of the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh.

“Yes, having grown up mastering the basics the hard way, thanks to Abharanam Sir, who taught us all how to approach the goal while steering clear of the defence on gravel at Nizam College and Gymkhana Grounds, it was difficult to adjust to astro-turf later on when I played for India. I had to make some technical changes in my game,” Mukesh said in an exclusive chat with Telangana Today ahead of the centenary celebrations.

One of the high points of Mukesh’s illustrious career is being named ‘Player of the Tournament’ in the Poznan Inter-Continental Cup in 1993.

“The best moments were scoring the goal against Pakistan in the 1988 Junior World Cup and then the Poznan Cup win,” the former India captain recalled.

“However, the biggest disappointment was not winning an Olympic medal. I think we had the best chance in the 2000 Sydney Games, but Belgium snatched a last-minute draw after we were leading 2-1 until the dying minutes of the match,” Mukesh said.

“The other big regret is not allowing my wife Nidhi to continue playing after our marriage when she was at her peak. That’s one thing that really hurts me now when I look back,” he added.

On the state of hockey in Hyderabad, Mukesh said it was sad that not many parents were willing to send their children to play the sport. “Like in many other sports, parents often ask, ‘Where is the job guarantee?’” Mukesh, who also served as Secretary of the State Hockey Association for eight years, said.

“It is a pity that the magnificent Gachibowli astro-turf complex, with two grounds, has been almost unused for a long time,” he added.

“However, thanks to Hockey India and the Government of India for extending complete support, the Indian team is now doing well in the Olympics and World Cups, with foreign coaches ensuring the desired results and more emphasis on power-play now,” said the Asian Games gold medallist.

“All we need is to ensure we have the right kind of bench strength by identifying players for each position, with Hockey India organizing many junior tournaments, just like the BCCI does with the India-A teams,” he signed off.