Diwakar keen to learn few tricks from Sohail Abbas during World Cup

NEW DELHI: He has grown up idolising Sohail Abbas and young Indian drag flicker Diwakar Ram says he can’t wait to learn a few tricks of the trade from the Pakistani legend when they meet during the hockey World Cup later this month.

“I am really excited about our first match against Pakistan. I am looking forward to personally meet Sohail Abbas. He is my childhood hero. I admire him a lot and got interested in drag-flicking watching him,” Diwakar said.

“I met him once before in Salta, Argentina during the Champions Challenge tournament but that meeting was very short. He told me ‘you are doing well’, but I want to meet him for a longer period. I want to talk to him regarding the finer details of drag-flicking,” he said.

The 20-year-old is so starstruck that he feels the only way to stop the Pakistani from scoring is to deny him set pieces.

“There is no doubt he is the world’s best drag-flicker. If you give him penalty corners, 99 out of 100 times he will score. So, if you want to stop him don’t give him scoring opportunities,” Diwakar said.

Along with the experienced Sandeep Singh and Dhananjay Mahadik, Diwakar is one of the three penalty corner specialists in the 18-member Indian squad for the 12-team event to be held from February 28 to March 13.

Although he is rearing to wear India colours in the tournament, the prodigy from Gorakhpur is realistic about his chances of finding a place in the playing XI.

“It’s a great platform for me to showcase my talent before the world. I am really excited about playing hockey’s biggest tournament before my countrymen.

“I am determined to give my best because I know that I will get few chances. I want to grab with both hands whatever chances I get. I want to score as many goals as possible and help the team’s cause,” said Diwakar, who made his debut in the senior team at the age of 17 in 2007 during the Olympic qualifiers in Chile.

Stakes are high for eight-time Olympic champions India as they head into the tournament hoping to regain the national game’s past glory but Diwakar said he feels no pressure on himself.

“I don’t feel any pressure as such. I am one of the youngest members of the team, so I feel the pressure is more on the seniors. I will just concentrate on my natural game,” he said.