Exclusive/ Indian hockey goalkeeper Suraj Karkera reflects on consecutive Asian Champions Trophy wins

India’s men’s hockey team has been riding a wave of success. After claiming bronze medal at 2024 Paris Olympics , Indian team led by Harmanpreet Singh went on to win gold medal at Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) in China. One name that stands out in this journey is Suraj Karkera. young goalkeeper has recently cemented his place in national team, stepping into shoes of Indian hockey legend PR Sreejesh. 

Also Re: Harmanpreet Singh nominated for FIH Player of Year after Olympic bronze heroics

Suraj Karkera opens up on recent wins and Indian hockey's future 

In an exclusive interview to Republic Media Network, Suraj Karkera opened up about India’s triumph in 2024 Asian Champions Trophy , where y clinched title for second consecutive time, and how team is gearing up for future challenges.

Q. How does it feel to have won Asian Champions Trophy for second consecutive time?

A. It feels great to win Champions trophy for second consecutive time. I think competition in Asian Hockey has grown and every team is a fighting team and a great team to play against with. I think it’s great winning a tournament after Olympics , We have been very successful in this tournament winning all our matches.

Q. Can you take us through final match against China? What was going through your minds?

A. final match is always exciting. crowd was packed and China h a lot of supporters in crowd, Being a home team china fought very well and restricted us in our attack but we came through, found a way, scored a goal and won match. final match was really exciting.

Q. How does this victory set you up for upcoming major tournaments?

A. Every victory counts. I think every victory builds confidence in you and it helps you to better your skills in coming matches and it is very important when playing major tournaments. Yes, victory does play a key role in building confidence of all players.

Q. Suraj, as a goalkeeper, can you share your perspectives on how your roles contributed to team's success in this tournament?

A. As a goalkeeper you get to see whole field from behind. You know what team is attacking and what is ir strong side and what is ir weak side and as a goalkeeper you command down instructions you tell defence what is needed, and You tell players to mark man to man that completely is a defensive role for a man and I think we defended very well throughout our tournament and it was a great thing to win Asian Championship.

Q. How does team plan to build on this momentum and prepare for future challenges?

A. After team's success in Olympics team has been growing and we have not stopped working hard. I think it is a big responsibility after winning this tournament to keep this momentum going and to play well in international circuit.

Q. What message would you like to share with your fans and supporters back home?

A. I think supporters back home were great. I think in every match we get best of support and a lot of confidence and people were cheering for us. support was brilliant as usual. Noways people support, y track sports and keep watch on a team and support is always been great.

Q. Can you tell us about a particularly memorable moment or a turning point in tournament for you?

A. In memorable moment is of course winning a tournament. But it was special because it was 50th Match and I played my 50th Match in final and I think it was a very special moment for me.

Q. What's a typical day like for you in terms of diet and nutrition? How do you fuel your bodies for optimal performance on field?

A. In terms of diet and nutrition, you know as a professional sport what your body needs throughout day on match days and I rely on nutritional support provided by Stefast Nutrition to improve my performance on field. 

Also Re: 'Every save I me in Olympics ...': PR Sreejesh Dedicates All His Saves in Paris Olympics to India

India dominated tournament, winning all ir matches. However, final match against hosts China was anything but easy. Chinese team, backed by a fervent home crowd, me it a challenging encounter. India eventually defeated hosts 1-0 to win title. With victory in Asian Champions Trophy under ir belts, Karkera and Indian hockey team are now looking ahe to ir future challenges.