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We will try to implement whatever we have planned: Vivek Sagar Prasad

Ahead of Commonwealth Games 2022, The Daily Guardian spoke to midfielder Vivek Sagar Prasad about his preparations for the upcoming event to be held in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Excerpts: Q. What are your preparations for the Commonwealth Games 2022, what are your expectations and thoughts on the current form of the hockey team? A. Preparation […]

Ahead of Commonwealth Games 2022, The Daily Guardian spoke to midfielder Vivek Sagar Prasad about his preparations for the upcoming event to be held in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Excerpts:

Q. What are your preparations for the Commonwealth Games 2022, what are your expectations and thoughts on the current form of the hockey team?

A. Preparation is going well, we have worked on the mistakes which were made earlier. We will go there with a gold-winning mindset.

Q. Tell us about the form of the team, is there any lean or strong form?

A. I think I have been in the team for 4 years. And now I have a lot of confidence in my team. We are in good form looking at the things we implemented in the previous match. And in terms of performance it is also getting better. If we can implement what we have planned and discussed in the match, then there is a good chance of winning.

Q. Your memories of Tokyo 2021 when your brilliant goal won against Argentina and we entered the quarter-finals?

A. It was an important movement and a memorable one for me. Because we won the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics after 41 years and qualifying for the quarterfinals was a big deal for us. Our young team went there. So it was good for me because I scored a goal for my team at a crucial time, I didn’t have that enthusiasm when I made the goal, but when I found out we had qualified for the quarterfinals, it definitely it made me happy.

Q. Your journey from Tikamgarh to Tokyo for the Olympics and now London?

A. There are ups and downs in the life of a sportsperson. Whether we are at the top or the bottom, the mental strength of any player is more important.

Q. We have never won a gold medal but we have won a silver medal twice. Should we expect one, this time?

A. Yes, sure ma’am. I have full faith in my team. Everyone is doing so much hard work and the performance is good as well. There are huge chances of us bringing gold this time. We have to go match by match and, we’ll try to implement whatever we have planned.

Q. You did well in junior hockey for a few years, tell us about your experience?

A. There is only a difference in structure between the junior and senior teams, many players are doing better in the junior team. And I hope that they will represent India in the coming times.

Q. FIH Rising Star of the Year 2019 Awarded to you, there are a lot of potentials, what do you think you have lived up to that?

A. At that time, my form was going well, I was playing back-to-back tournaments and my goals were good too. I am a midfielder, so getting into attacking as well as defending was my niche. So maybe that’s why I was awarded with it.

Q. How aggressive would you be in moving your role in the team under Graham Reid?

A. First of all, he gives freedom to every player. And the secondary is the way he handles everything with a smile on his face. If mistakes have been committed he always advices to focus on the next thing. It helps me to improve my performance in the next game.

Q. Vivek you are from MP, the cuisine of MP which is your favourite?

A. Poha jalebi

Q. Will you miss Indian food when you go to London?

A. Yes! I will miss my mother’s home-cooked food dearly.

Q. Please share your message to the Commonwealth Games contingent who will represent Team India in Birmingham in MP desi language?

A. You are eligible that’s why you are going for the Commonwealth Games. I am confident that all of you will do well in all the matches. May you be successful!

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