Jiwa happy to play mentor
Sudheendra Tripathi, TNN
MUMBAI: Technology runs in his head, but his heart lies in hockey. And when it comes to chasing his dream, the Malaysia-born Perth-based Jiwa Mohan can go to any extent. Any!
Weekend after weekend, Mohan, a mechanical engineer by profession, used to travel to Kuala Lumpur from Perth to turn out for his domestic club, Sapura, in the Malaysian Hockey League. And return back on Monday morning in his boiler suit for his employer, Total Marine Technology.
The 31-year-old, who would be playing in the World Series Hockey (WSH), has no plans to make a Perth-Mumbai-Pune and back, or even a Perth-Delhi-Bhopal return trip (both venues where WSH matches will be played) for the event though. “It’s not feasible, is it?” Mohan laughs. “I will be in India only for the entire duration of the event.”
Elaborating on his strenuous Perth-Kuala Lumpur-Perth trips, he says: “My employers were extremely accommodating. They gave me a free hand to pursue my passion of playing hockey. So I ensured I repay their faith with my commitment.”
Like many who have signed on with the WSH, Mohan too is extremely excited and confident about the concept. “I am looking forward to this tournament. It is a unique platform for youngsters to showcase their skills. Players from different cultures, with different styles, stars and wannabes will rub shoulders together play and against each other. It’s a very exciting concept,” Mohan feels.
Sure, there is no dearth of passion for Mohan. The only problem is time. At 31, no way Mohan is adding yards to his speed. Reflexes are slowing down too. Is he confident, then, of matching up with the fresh legs during the tournament? “There’s a very basic solution to this query,” he says. “I will assume the role of a mentor. I am sure with my experience at the international level, I still have a lot to offer to the kids who I will play and compete against.”
Mohan sure knows the importance of balancing his sporting and professional life. While on the hockey front a new chapter is awaiting Mohan in the form of WSH, on the professional front he is turning a new leaf by completing his Masters in Business Administration from an Australian University. Sure, this guy’s stick is always in check!