The Hindu: Devindar Walmiki: In a race against time to get ready for the Rio Olympics

By Nandakumar Marar

Devindar Walmiki is the only Mumbai player with a realistic chance of breaking into the Rio Olympics squad. However, his training opportunities with the national probables will depend largely on the physiotherapist’s appraisal.

He is now at the SAI Complex in Bengaluru for a rehabilitation programme after suffering a shoulder injury during the early stages of this season’s Hockey India League that saw him miss the Kalinga Lancers’ maiden journey into the final.

Arriving at Bengaluru rested and refreshed after missing out on most of the HIL season, Walmiki reported last Wednesday to the Indian team physio Srikanth Iyengar at the SAI complex.

He was told that rehabilitation process will continue till March 6. The Indian probables begin preparations for the Rio Olympic on March 6 under head coach Roelant Oltmans.

“I have started light running. I have been told to work on shoulder movements,” Walmiki says. “Srikanth is a huge help in these difficult days, and training with him has boosted my confidence.”

A part of the bronze-winning Indian squad at the FIH Hockey World League finals at Raipur last year, he has a reputation for his positional sense in defence and in the midfield, and possesses an ability to score goals off drag-flicks.

He has flexible wrists and derives strength from his long arms; and all this makes him an effective penalty-corner specialist.

He caught the eye for the goal he scored on his international debut at last year’s FIH Hockey World League semifinals at Antwerp, Belgium.

The Lancers entrust the 24-year-old with the defensive responsibilities on the left flank, with the freedom to switch to attack mode when opportunities present themselves.

However, the shoulder injury — he crashed into a concrete slab near the hoardings during a match at the Mahindra stadium — has come as a challenge to his progress.

Walmiki’s rise is quite a story.

Born into a middle-class family — his father is a chauffeur and his mother a housewife — he grew up living in a shack without electricity supply in a building compound.

However, his brother Yuvraj’s success and growing profile as an international changed things for the better for the Walmiki family. Yuvraj played for the Delhi Waveriders in this year’s HIL.

Soon, Devindar Walmiki started achieving some success of his own. He soon joined his brother in the German league, and they both were in the national squad at Antwerp.

During the HIL draft ahead of the 2016 season, he attracted interest from other franchises. However, the decision to retain him at the Bubaneshwar franchise was taken by someone whom the youngster could not refuse.

“Dilip Tirkey (former India captain and hockey legend) wished that I continue with Kalinga. When the greats advise you, it makes sense to listen,” explains Walmiki.

Though he has found fame and success, Walmiki makes it a point to acknowledge his roots. On the roster, he makes it a point to include his father Sunil’s name along with his.

“My parents are my heroes,” he says. “I want them to feel proud of what I have achieved. When I step out on the field wearing the India jersey, people should also remember my parents’ contribution.”