Danish:I have left my injury behind, moving ahead

Injury is the worst enemy of players. A serious one might even mark end of career for many. Last year, when the Indian team went for a practice session to Europe ahead of World hockey League, Rotterdam, young Indian player Danish Mujtaba suffered a ligament injury. It led to a surgery in a local Delhi hospital and complete bed rest. After months of rehab and pain, the Allahabadi boy has finally left all that behind and has made his way in the World Cup core probable list. In a tete-e-tete with www.stick2hockey.com Danish talks about the camp, injury and how it feels to make a comeback.

You are in the camp after one year. How is the camp going for you?

It is great to be back in the camp. I feel like I am debuting again. I was away from the national side for almost a year. It was a challenge to make a comeback post-injury. I am glad I did it.

A lot of players miss to make a comeback post-injury. How did you cope up with the phase?

Surgery was crucial for my injury. The doctors had said that without surgery, I might not be able to play again. Post-surgery, I was advised bed rest for a month. It was a tough phase. My parents had come from Allahabad to Delhi and were by my side throughout. Also, my cousin and physical trainer Ahmad Nasir, who also assists tennis player Yuki Bhamri, helped me with my physiotherapy sessions. After months of rehab, the injury healed.

Mental strength is very important in such situations. Did this injury deter your confidence?

I just had one thing on my mind- I will play again for my country. I kept on concentrating on my goal which helped me remain confident. Also, my teammates and elder brother Hamza Mujtaba, also a hockey player kept motivating me.

You returned after a long spell and played for Delhi Waveriders in Hockey India League. But, you missed playing all matches and came on and off the field. Are you completely fit now?

I played Hockey India League after a long spell. It took me some time to get back to my form and play my usual game. By the end of it, I was back and there is no problem at all now.

Were you continuously following the team’s matches during your injury period?

Absolutely. It was important to remain updated about all matches. I have seen every match during that phase. In fact, during the World Hockey League finals at Delhi, I made it to the stands of National Stadium to watch the match live.

We have always seen you play with your team. How was the experience to watch them play from the stands?

Honestly, it was a bit of both. I felt proud when the crowd roared in cheer for our team. But, when we would miss a goal or lose the ball, they would hurl expletives.

Now, that the injury is past, are you confident of your future?

I have left injury behind and moved ahead. I hope to make it back to the team now.