Sachin Tendulkar’s surprise visit floors hockey stars
Biswajyoti Brahma,TNN

NEW DELHI: It was a meeting the World Cup-bound members of the Indian hockey team will cherish for long. The players were taken by surprise on Tuesday when cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar turned up at the team hotel in the Capital and spent close to two hours with them.

The purpose of the visit, which followed a request from captain Sardar Singh, was to motivate the players ahead of the World Cup which is starting in the Hague (the Netherlands) on May 31.

“I had asked Sachin Paaji sometime back whether it was possible for him to meet the players before the World Cup. He came today around noon and spent around two hours with us. Only the coaches and I knew that he was coming and the players were pleasantly surprised,” Sardar told TOI.

“He came and cut a cake for us and wished the team good luck for the World Cup. He also asked us to send him a schedule of the World Cup so that he can follow every match. Players asked him questions on different subjects like his preparation for big matches against Pakistan and Australia. He listened to every question and answered patiently.”

During the meeting, Sachin advised the players to start every match with a positive frame of mind.

“He’s such a great player but so humble and down to earth. He opened up completely during the interaction with us. We were meeting him for the first time but after those two hours we felt like we have known him for long,” Sardar said.

“He spoke about his matches, how he prepared for them. He also spoke about the injuries during his career and how he kept making comebacks. His stories were very inspirational. He spoke about sacrifices that one has to make while playing for the country. He said, ‘You chose this sport because you love it. So always enjoy the game and give your best’.”

During the conversation, Tendulkar recalled his first international match in 1989, an ODI against Pakistan.

“The first match of my career was not that great. I had sleepless nights as I had failed to score. I finally spoke to my seniors and they advised me not to take pressure and be at ease and in control of my game. That helped me score 58 in my next match. I have not forgotten that advice and share it with every youngster I meet,” Tendulkar was quoted as telling the players by Hockey India.

Tendulkar, who’s a Rajya Sabha MP, also told the players: “Always remember, no team is stronger than you. Visualize this in your mind and you will realise that your body automatically starts responding positively.”

Sardar said the interaction with Tendulkar was a big motivation for the players.

“He told us seniors how to deal with junior players and asked me not to lose my temper since I am the captain. He said the captain has to remain patient even in most difficult situations. He’s a great inspiration.”

Head coach Terry Walsh said it was a “privilege” to meet the cricket legend.

“He is a great thinker and the time spent with the boys will have a resounding impact on the minds of the players. He spoke about the importance of positive approach in life and how one can attain success with a powerful mind and a positive approach,” the Australian said.