Senthamizh Arasu keeps his dream of turning out for the senior Indian hockey team alive

In Chennai on Friday, 25-year-old Indian Army goalkeeper Senthamizh Arasu said he was keeping his ambition of playing for the senior Indian hockey team alive while taking part in the 97th All-India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup hockey tournament.

A native of Arcot town in Vellore, Arasu won bronze with the Junior India team at the 2017 Sultan of Johor Cup and remains without a senior call-up, still waiting for an opportunity to prove himself at the highest level. “I keep playing, trying to give my best at all National-level tournaments. I’m waiting, working hard and practising every day,” he said on the sidelines of the 97th All-India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup hockey tournament here on Friday.

He said he was prepared to seize any chance that arrived. “I am ready for the opportunity whenever it comes. Even an opportunity for the National team trials would do. I’m only 25, I still have a lot to do,” he added.

Arasu’s profile includes a notable performance at the 2023 senior Nationals, when his heroics in the penalty shootout against Karnataka helped Tamil Nadu secure the bronze medal.

At the Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons camp in the Hockey India League, Arasu worked with former Ireland goalkeeper David Harte and credited him with technical and mental lessons. “I have watched David Harte since childhood, and learnt a lot from him in HIL. He taught me about quick reactions and, more importantly, the mindset. When we concede a goal, we sometimes dwell on it. He taught me that the team keeps playing and we must be ready for the next ball,” he said.

A regular at the Murugappa tournament, Arasu said his side have repeatedly fallen short in the knockout rounds. “We have lost in the semifinals for three consecutive years. This is my fourth season, and we will see what happens this time. We are ready,” he said, hoping the tournament would bring him closer to his long-cherished India dream.

Arasu reiterated that selection opportunities remain his immediate target, saying an opening at the National team trials would be enough to advance his cause as he continues to compete in national-level tournaments.