Former captain Arjun Halappa believes Indian hockey is in a better shape now
The current selector and former captain of the Indian men’s hockey team, Arjun Halappa expressed pleasure with the progress Indian hockey is making. The Indian men’s team had a mixed campaign at the recently concluded Hockey World League semis, finishing 4th.
The Sardar Singh-led Indian team was the first to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics by winning the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.
The forward, who has represented India over 250 times, was content with what he has achieved in his career as a player and as a selector as well. He told MetroPlus that it was his father who inspired him to take up hockey early in his childhood. His father, Mr. B.K. Halappa, used to play for East Bengal Hockey Club and according to Arjun, it was his father’s love and passion towards the game that drove him to pursue his passion in hockey.
My father inspired me to take up hockey: Arjun
“I am very happy with what I have got in my life. I never imagined that I would reach the heights I did. My father, B.K. Halappa, used to play for East Bengal Hockey Club. He was the one who inspired me to take up hockey.” Arjun Halappa told MetroPlus.
When enquired about his favorite player, he instantly answered “Dhanraj Pillay”, who is widely regarded as one of the best players to play the game. Arjun praised Dhanraj, who has represented the Indian team in 4 Summer Olympics, 4 World Cups, 4 Champions trophy and 4 Asian Games, for the leadership qualities he had on and off the field.
“Dhanraj Pillay is the best hockey player I have had the pleasure of playing with. He was not only greatly skilled, but also a brilliant leader. He was a mentor to all of us and an inspiration to me throughout my career.” he added when asked by a MetroPlus reporter.
“It (Indian hockey) is much better than it used to be. There are good sponsors and the players are paid more than they used to be. Whatever its popularity may be, there are still people who are emotionally attached to hockey and prefer it to any other sport.”
Arjun Halappa made his debut for India in 2001 and in the same year he won the gold medal in Kuala Lampur at the Champions Challenge. He was also part of the team that finished 2nd in the 2010 Commonwealth Games apart from winning the bronze medal at the Guangzhou Asian Games.