SV Sunil ruled out of Asia Cup owing to elbow injury

SV Sunil

The Indian men’s hockey team’s cup of woes seem to be overflowing with the seasoned striker SV Sunil being ruled out of the upcoming 9th Asia Cup beginning in Ipoh, Malaysia from August 24, with an elbow injury.

The Coorg lad injured his left elbow during the team’s training session at the SAI South Centre in Bengaluru on Friday. He is not travelling with the team for the final phase of the camp, which will be held in New Delhi after the turf at SAI Bengaulru was found to be not suitable for high intensity training.

Sunil featured in the victorious 2007 Asia Cup team as well as in the 2009 Asia Cup, where India failed to make the semifinals for the first time ever.

Understandably, Sunil is crestfallen with the turn of events. “I’m really disappointed to be injured with Asia Cup round the corner. I wanted to be part of the side in Ipoh, but then you cannot control injuries. It was destined I guess,” he told Sportskeeda in an informal chat.

It may be worth recalling that the 24-year-old had an ugly hoarding board collision during the closing stages of the India-Spain 5-th-6th play-off match, thus suffering an injury on his right knee, which was operated upon in 2010.

Sunil, who has played over 100 internationals for India, wants his team to seal the 2014 World Cup berth. “I’m sorry not to be in Ipoh, but I wish all my team-mates all the very best. I’m sure they will win the tournament and book the ticket to Hague,” he said.

The Indian forwardline has been beset with injuries in recent times. Danish Mujtaba, Akashdeep Singh and Gurwinder Singh Chandi are all on the injured list.

Sunil is expected to be out of action for at least six weeks. India’s next international assignment after the 9th Asia Cup will in all probability be the  third Asian Champions  Trophy, which is likely to be held in Korea in October this year.

Hopefully, Sunil will be back in the national fold by then.