Senior most member of the Indian team Arjun Halappa gets the justice,though belatedly.

The jewel in the current Indian team has been named captain for the forthcoming sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

The most capped player of the current team — with 223 caps — led India A in 2004, and then it has been a long wait. It is sometimes felt players much much juniors to him have got the honour though this master midfielder never complained.

Only Indian player from the current squad to play in three World Cups, Arjun is a great play maker of vintage stuff.

Since making his senior international debut in the Prime Minister Gold Cup, the shot but temperamentally superb player never looked back.

When his case for captaincy was sidelined for the home World Cup — it was his third World Cup — and a junior who was making his maiden World Cup appearance, no one took note of this neglect. He too did not plant stories but maintained his calm and composure.

Arjun is an accomplished all-rounder. Started his career as an inside-forward, matured later to become a pivot — in which role he excels nowadays — and is a good stopper during the penalty corner drills. He too negotiated strokes, style of which is though doubtful.

In his long career, Arjun had ups and down due to the whims of chief coaches. It was rather surprising between 2007 and 2008, when Joaquim Carvalho was the man in charge of coaching, Arjun was sidelined. This happened despite the fact that he led his Bangalore Lions to Gold in the Premier Hockey League twice.

Brief Profile of Arjun Halappa

Son of former East Bengal Hockey Club player B.K. Halappa, Arjun joined the Centre of Excellence in 1998. Hails from Coorg. Played his first Senior Nationals at Hyderabad next year and was picked among the 72 probables for a conditioning camp. Made his Jr.internl debut in the Europe tour same year under coaches C.R. Kumar and Harendera. Posted eight goals in the 2000 Junior Asia Cup, including a brace in the semis. Scored vital goals at Hobart Jr. World Cup before earning senior spurs in coach Cedric D’Souza’s regime as a part of title winning Dhaka Prime Minister Gold Cup team. Since then cemented his place in the senior side.

Captained India for the Prince Taekemada Cup (Gifu, Japan) in 2004. Led Bangalore Lions to PHL titles. After brief stint in Canara Bank, joined Indian Airlines in 2002 after figuring in the KL World Cup.

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