Mahadik does the tech trick
Mihir Vasavda / DNAThursday, July 9, 2009
Mumbai: Dhananjay Mahadhik, who forced his way into the national squad on Tuesday on the basis of consistent showing in the domestic circuit, feels rewarded. He can’t help but wonder why he was ignored by Indian coaches for so long but is immediately picked by a European coach.
Having played for German club Frankenthal under coach Stefan Blocher for last three years as a part of an exchange programme, Mahadik feels his one-touch passing game and technological know-how have been the key to his success.
“They (Frankenthal) have been inviting me to join their team for the last three years. And now, after all these years, a European coach (Brasa) has picked me straight away, this surprises me,” said Mahadik, who was shocked at his inclusion in the 23-man squad.
“For years I have been waiting for this day.” Mahadik is the captain of the Army XI and is a creative midfielder. Coach Harendra Singh is impressed. “He has been doing very well in the domestic tournaments. I have been observing him over the last 3-4 years and it was about time that he played for the national side. We need more intelligent players like him,” coach Harendra Singh said.
Mahadik believes use of technology is the key to any country’s success in international tournaments in modern hockey. Something which India lacks. He, along with a US-based NRI Deepak Seth, is planning to introduce use of technology in domestic hockey.
“Technology is kept as far away from India hockey as possible. I have been taught various technological skills during my stint in Germany.” Mahadik said. “Most of the teams in Europe thrive on technology to succeed on pitch. The Indian style of hockey is good but we have to adopt the European approach.”