New Indian Express: For India’s midfield driving force Chanu, mere Olympic participation not enough

BENGALURU: Sushila Chanu’s rise from being a sports fan to hockey player is commendable. The native of Manipur is soft spoken but there is clarity in her thoughts about her game, the team and expectations. These traits and her skills have added up to produce a highly competitive player for India. The 24-year-old midfielder’s career got a boost when she captained the Indian senior side in the recent four-nation tournament in Darwin, Australia. Regular captain Ritu Rani was rested for the tournament.

“My father is a driver and mother a homemaker. I have a sister and brother but no one in the family is into sport,” she said. It all started when she saw a football match during the National Games in Manipur.

She later heard about Indian hockey players from her statemates (Sanggai Chanu, Tingonleima Chanu and Surajlata Devi) and that triggered interest in the game. Her uncle’s encouragement pushed her further, while there was whole-hearted support from the family. She honed her skills under former India player and women’s coach GS Bhangu in Gwalior.

Coming up in August is the big one for this lass. “All girls had dreams of playing in the Olympics. We need to perform because if we don’t, it won’t be taken well. There is no use in just playing, or finishing 12th out of 12 teams. We have increased training time and are working very hard,” the Railways employee elaborated. “I am keen to meet Sania Mirza.”

As a captain, there have been challenging situations. “There is pressure because I have to play well to inspire the others. I also need to pep them up so that they play well. In Darwin, there were situations that were difficult like when our opposition was awarded goals that were not legal,” she explained, while stressing on the fact that they have some important lessons to learn from the tournament.

Another cause of concern is her right knee injury. She was walking with crutches not very long ago. “For eight weeks, I did a lot of gym training and running. The support staff took good care of me.”

Women’s team coach Neil Hawgood said, “What impresses me is her attention to detail and her ability to have athletes look at what she does on and off the field. She is self-driven and has high expectations. Her recovery shows how dedicated she is.”