The Hindu: Senthamizh has the talent to achieve greater glory
K. Keerthivasan
Young India goal-tender praised for his quick reflexes and decision-making
Senthamizh Arasu has achieved what no Tamil Nadu hockey player has done in over half-a-decade — a place in the Indian XI.
As the first-choice goalkeeper, Senthamizh did himself and the country proud with a top-grade performance in the Sultan of Johor Cup international junior (u-21) tournament at Johor Bahru recently. The 18-year-old native of Arcot town played four matches including the bronze-medal play-off against Malaysia.
To win a bronze in his maiden international tournament is a feat Senthamizh cherishes. “It was a great experience. I wasn’t under any pressure. I would like to thank all my coaches: [India junior coach] Jude Felix, Army’s P.T. Rao, Services’ Mariyappan and M. Dinesh for making me what I am,” said Senthamizh in an interaction with The Hindu on Tuesday.
That a boy hailing from a poor family — his mother, the lone breadwinner of the family works at a Girls High School for special kids in Arcot — could wear the India colours is a testimony to the teenager’s hard work and dedication.
“Quick reflexes, fast reaction time and, most importantly, firm decision-making is what makes Senthamizh special,” said Dinesh, who was instrumental in making Senthamizh, who started out as a defender, a ’keeper.
Prior to the Sultan of Johor Cup, Senthamizh was part of the Indian Hockey Academy ‘A’ team which won the K.D. Singh Babu All-India tournament in Lucknow. It turned out to be a memorable event as he bagged the best goalkeeper award.
“I made lot of good saves. The tournament gave me a lot of confidence going to Johor Bahru,” said Senthamizh, who idolises goalkeepers Adrian D’Souza, Sreejesh and Akash Chikte.
In need of a job
Considered a mentor of Senthamizh, V. Gunalan, who runs the Yogan Sports Academy in Arcot, is pleasantly surprised at his rapid rise.
“We were confident that he’ll make it big given his hard work and dedication,” said Gunalan. “We will be happy if he gets a job.”
Senthamizh is now thinking of the 2020 Junior World Cup. Sporting the No.16 jersey, which India senior Sreejesh wears, one can hope that he will perform as well as the star goalkeeper, if not better.