For many, hockey is a game; for few it is life. And life takes its own course, twists and turns, eventually shinning best for people who deserve it. They say, you need to dream big to achieve big. These two brothers dreamt, and achieved.
The tale of the brother’s duo Yuvraj and Devindar Walmiki is no less than a Bollywood script. Two brothers with modest background living in a Mumbai slum dreamt to play for the Indian hockey team. The elder brother takes the lead, sweats out hard and finally achieves his goal. The younger brother simply follows his footsteps.
But, perhaps, destiny has more in store for them. Now, they desire to play for their country together. Their dream to bear the Indian jersey and play alongside each other has got a step closer after the duo have been selected for the European tour as a part of World Cup preparations. Though, the Walmiki brothers have played together earlier in domestic tournaments, the last being in 2010, playing for the country is a different achievement altogether.
“As a youngster, I always dreamt of playing for my country along with my elder brother. I am elated to get a chance now. Our family is also very happy. After hearing the news, my mother almost jumped in joy,” says the younger Devinder Walmiki.
Agrees Yuvraj, “It is a good feeling and proud moment for our parents. Improvement is the key. We need to perform well to fit in the World Cup squad.”
For the brothers, it has rather been a tough journey. While Yuvraj failed to impress selectors most of the time, Devindar did not make it to the junior World Cup squad.
“It is a great responsibility that has been bestowed upon me. I am rewarded for my performance in Hockey India League. I need to keep working hard and ensure that I am selected for World Cup,” Devindar says.
In fact, this is just the beginning for them. The selection for the World Cup team is yet to happen. The brothers need to create a niche to fit in the squad. “Our ultimate dream is to represent India together. Making it to the World Cup squad is the next target,” he adds.
Yuvraj, however, denies any problem if either of the two are selected. “On-field, we are not brothers but competitors. If both of us make it the main team, it will be like icing on the cake. In case, one of us fail to do it, we will keep working hard. We have made ourselves prepared for such situations.”
On-field, the brothers might be competitors, but off-field, the stylish stars are like any other family going out for movies and dinner together. “We are close to each other. Dev calls me ‘darling brother’ while I call him ‘sweetheart’.’’ You can easily say that love is in the air for brothers,” says Yuvraj.
‘Sweetheart Devindar’, on the other hand, gives a glimpse of the ‘other’ side of elder brother. “Yuvraj is closer to mom and I am closer to dad. Both Yuvraj and mother often team up and tease me.”
So, is there any particular instance when his ‘darling’ brother played a prank on him? “Not once, he plays prank often. For instance, if I ever find money lying in the house, he will snatch it from me claiming it to be his. Only after he spends entire money on himself, he would come back saying the money wasn’t his,” Devinder adds.
Well, we hope their off-field chemistry reflects on-field as well. All the best Walmiki brothers!