Hykes’ journey from cricket to hockey

New Delhi, March. 9: The blistering speed with Julian Hykes enters the striking circle is a treat to watch. The tall and sturdy, the South African was the first goal scorer of the 12th edition of the hockey World Cup, but few would have imagined the the same player also slams fours and sixes for the Border province team team back home.

The 27-year-old is a first class cricketer and now a World Cupper.

After being one of the bright sparks, in South Africa’s otherwise dull World Cup, Hykes is all set to put his cricket career on the backburner to concentrate on hockey, which he feels will realise his family’s dream of seeing him as an Olympian.

“I always loved cricket more than hockey. I played rugby too. But ours is essentially a hockey-playing family. Both my parents and my siblings have been hockey players.

“So they didn’t show too much interest in my cricket career although I’ve been playing cricket from the time I was 10. I was a late bloomer in hockey starting at 16, due to pressure at home,” said the cricket all-rounder.

His journey from being a club hockey player to donning the national colours began in 2007.
“In 2007 I made my national team debut in a home series against Belgium, Scotland, Spain and Ireland.”
Since then there has been no looking back for Hykes, who considers missing the 2008 Beijing Olympics as the low point of his career. “I was heart-broken, but at the same time determined. After missing the Olympics I was determined to make it for the World Cup.”

Also, playing for Border, he knew it would never be easy to make it to the side.
“I always knew it would be tough making it to the World Cup squad because as Border players, we play in the B section of the inter- provincial which is not the top-notch league.”
But Hykes wasn’t among those who give up easily.

“It was a lot of hard work, sweat and blood. It is every player’s dream to play a World Cup. So what if it’s cricket or hockey.”

It the success in hockey his cricket ambitions have taken a back seat.
“I ought to accept the fact that I may never play international cricket. So for now my focus is on hockey. I take heart from the fact that the size of the ball is the same,” said the multi-talented South African.
Once back at home, Hykes will first start to work towards repaying a loan he took to travel in Argentina for a series last year.

“We don’t receive much support back home. I had to take a loan of 10,000 rands. I’ve saved 2,000 and have been promised some funds from a few organisations.”
With an eye on making fine-tuning his skills and earning a living Hykes is looking forward to a stint in the European League.

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