For Adam Sinclair, international hockey champion, the game was a way of life, and as a student, sports was top priority. “I was more passionate about sports than studies,” laughs Adam. The results are there to see. The Coimbatore-based lad went on to represent the country abroad, including the 2004 Summer Olympics at Athens.

Hailing from an Anglo-Indian family, Adam’s grandfather, Alfred Sinclair, played for the Southern Railways team in his day. “He coached my cousins and me — we were a motley bunch. He was an inspiration. I played for the school and college team, both in hockey and athletics.”

One of the proudest moments though was when he played for India for the first time. It was for the junior team, playing against France in Poland. He recalls how they got the Indian team jerseys two days before the match. “It was a very emotional moment. You work hard all your life for this moment. I was very proud to wear the national colours. I remember scoring two goals. I was really very happy,” he says.

Happy and proud though he was, it was also the time that he was caught in the midst of a controversy, being accused by Dhanraj Pillai of using his clout to become a part of the national team for the 2004 Athens Olympics. “I come from a simple Anglo-Indian background,” he says somewhat defensively. “I don’t have political pull. I knew I needed to work hard. People may talk, I don’t really bother — as my family and I know the truth.” He acknowledges the fact that the Tamil Nadu Hockey Association promoted him as they saw potential. “I’ve played many matches and scored many goals — what more can I prove?” he says.

Adam feels allegations of this nature could ruin a sportsperson’s career. “When statements and accusations are made in the media without any proof, it is really harsh. You work hard to attain a certain level, and so accusations like this are painful. I think people shouldn’t make statements without proof. I honestly feel that if I were from a powerful family, nobody would have dared to make such comments. Sportspersons need support — from someone powerful who will speak on their behalf,” he muses.

Returning to those dark days, Adam reveals that his wife and family supported him through it all. “A lot of changes happened after I got married. I was at my lowest then and my wife, Vyshali Nair, motivated me. She is a special person. Nobody else came out openly in my support.”

The couple met online, he recalls, lighting up at the thought. He was very pleased to discover that she followed hockey. “I was playing across the country and my picture used to come on the cover of those Classmate notebooks. We became good friends and eventually got married. So you can say that I met her through hockey,” he says bashfully.

Off the field, Adam is a “big fishing freak. I really enjoy professional fishing. Every time I get a day or two off, I go angling. That’s the only thing I have the time for. I also listen to a lot of music. I’m a big fan of heavy metal. Guns n’ Roses is an absolute favourite. Even before I head out to matches, I listen to music. I also love collecting watches, especially antiques,” he reveals. Another ‘ongoing project’ of his is restoring an old Bullet bike, something he has just begun to do. “I have three bikes to work on,” says Adam, in parting.

This and that

Thank you: My coach, Mr Badru, from Stanes School was the person who convinced my dad to allow me to play hockey. My dad wanted me to stick with athletics as injuries were high in hockey. But Mr Badru told him that I had talent. He was also the one who taught me a lot about hockey and I am what I am only because of him.

First reaction: My parents were very excited to see their son playing for the country. It was something great for them. They were particularly happy to see my pictures in the newspapers and television.

Need for support: Cricket is well-organised in the country. But when it comes to hockey and football, there is a lot of raw talent and nobody to guide those who have it. Most of them eventually fade away. I think that the sports authorities should have a counselling department, which is a common feature in most countries. For sport is not just about physical fitness, it is also about mental strength.