The Hindu: A great moment

Charudatt Prabhu

Olympian Nikkin Thimmaiah remembers his match-winning effort in the Asian Champions Trophy

Hockey Olympian Nikkin Thimmaiah has had his share of memorable moments on the international stage. The 27-year-old, who is currently playing for Canara Bank in the Bengaluru Super Division league, spoke about his famous winning goal in the final of the 2016 Asian Champions Trophy against Pakistan, his hat-trick against Australia in the 2015 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, and his desire to make a comeback to the Indian national hockey team. Excerpts from an interview.

You won a silver in the 400 meters of the Junior National Athletics championships in your school days. Tell us about your move from athletics to hockey?

I started playing hockey at the age of 12 in Coorg. I was inspired watching my dad, (former Army player C.T. Aiyannna), play in a major hockey tournament in Coorg. Hockey was my passion. At the age of 15, I wanted to try athletics, as I used to run well. I just gave it a shot, and got back to hockey at the age of 17.

Any childhood idols ?

I used to look up to Sardar Singh, Dhanraj Pillay and my father.

Could you talk about your hat-trick against Australia in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup? How would you rate that performance?

That was one of my best performances ever. It was a great and memorable tournament for me. Australia were very strong. They were preparing for the World Cup and the Rio Olympics. The win over Australia helped us qualify for the bronze medal play-off against South Korea, which we won.

During the Asian Champions Trophy 2016, in the India-Pakistan final, it was 2-2 with nine minutes left for the final whistle. You scored a goal and helped India lift the Asian Champions Trophy. Tell us about the game…

We won the Asian Champions Trophy after a gap of five years. I performed very well in the tournament. I still remember Akashdeep’s pass to me, which I converted into a match-winning goal. It was a great moment for me.

You missed the World Cup due to a ruptured hamstring. Then a shoulder injury forced you to you miss the tests against Australia and the World League final round. How difficult is it to make a comeback after injury?

Injuries are part and parcel of the life of a sportsperson. You have to take it in a positive way. I got injured in 2014, which was a sad moment for me because I wanted to play the World Cup. Then I did my rehab and got back into the team. First it was a hamstring injury, and then I had a shoulder injury, for which I had to undergo a surgery. It was tough. You have to overcome all this by being around strong, and positive people.

What are your plans for a comeback into the team?

I have been playing for Canara Bank and I am employed there. I am working hard on my weaknesses. Hopefully, one day I will make a comeback to the team.

What are your targets ?

We want to help Canara Bank perform well in the upcoming Hockey India senior men’s national ‘A’ division championship.

How has Hockey India League (HIL) helped players?

It has helped them financially, and also in making a comeback to the Indian team. It is a stepping stone to play for your country and a platform for youngsters to showcase their skills. It has changed the lives of many hockey players.

What do you think are India’s chances in the upcoming Asian Games?

Now that India has performed well in the Champions Trophy and won the silver medal, we have a good chance to win gold in the Asian Games.