New Indian Express: Playing Along With Fuchs Will be a Big Moment for me: Nikkin

NEW DELHI: One of the key players for Dabang Mumbai, young Indian forward Nikkin Thimmaiah today said he is excited to rub shoulders with renowned German striker Florian Fuchs in the Hockey Indian League (HIL) next season.

On cloud nine after fetching USD 67000 during the HIL player’s auction, Thimmaiah said he is overwhelmed by the response shown by the franchises. “The price is really unexpected and it was an emotional moment for me as it made me realise that my work is getting recognised,” said the Bengaluru-lad, who is remembered for his hat-trick against Australia in the 2015 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, where the striker helped his team to register a 4-2 win in the 3rd/4th Classification Match.

“I had wonderful days with Uttar Pradesh Wizards and I am thankful to the franchisee and coaching staff to give me ample opportunities to showcase my talent,” said Thimmaiah.

As part of Dabang Mumbai, the 24-year-old from Karnataka, who had been a key player of UP Wizards for last two seasons, will now share the dressing room with Gurmail Singh, Danish Mujtaba, Harmanpreet Singh along with Australian midfielder Matthew Swann and Irish goal-keeper David Harte, besides Fuchs, in the upcoming editions.

“I am very happy to see the world’s best forward Florian Fuchs of Germany in my team and privilege to play with him for the next two seasons,” said the talented striker.

“I am very lucky to be in the same team as Florian Fuchs, Matthew Swann, David Harte, Gurmail Singh, Danish Mujtaba and Harmanpreet Singh. “I am looking forward to the upcoming season. What is the most exciting is the new regulation. It is yet to be seen who will take the most advantage of this,” Thimmaiah added.