From a state renowned for its rich hockey legacy, featuring legends like MP Ganesh, MM Somaya, AB Subbiah, Ashish Ballal, Arjun Halappa, and more recently Raghunath VR, SK Uthappa, Nikkin Thimmaiah, and SV Sunil—all of whom represented India in the 2016 Rio Olympics—PB Sunil emerges as a promising new talent aiming to carry the torch for Karnataka in hockey.
Sunil’s fellow state players, Mohd. Raheel, Abharan Sudev, and HS Mohit, have fluctuated in their positions within the men’s senior core group and the national squad. However, Sunil’s recent achievements in the FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup, where the team secured a bronze medal, rekindles hopes for enhancing Karnataka’s contributions to Indian hockey.
Hailing from a small hamlet called Anavatti village in Sorab Taluk, Shivamogga district, Sunil began his hockey journey at the DYES Sports hostel in his district at the age of 10. Coming from a family of daily wage labourers in agriculture, Sunil’s ascent in hockey symbolizes hope for his family.
Drafted into the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers squad for Rs 2 lakh, Sunil understands the significance of delivering strong performances in the Hockey India League. He remarked, “The Junior World Cup was a dream come true moment. But now that’s in the past. I am now focused on performing for the Kalinga Lancers who have a good mix of players and lots to learn from this season for me.”
Reflecting on Karnataka’s esteemed hockey tradition, he stated, “When I came into the sport, I knew nothing about hockey and Karnataka’s contribution to the sport but it’s only after coming into the national set up that I know the responsibility on my shoulders now and it only inspires me to achieve the way our former greats from the state have.”
Sunil looks forward to playing alongside eminent Olympic gold medallists such as Arthur Van Doren and Alexander Hendrickx. As a defender, he believes he can gain invaluable insights from these two Belgian players, who have excelled on the world stage for over a decade.
“As a defender, there’s nothing more fruitful than to learn from the biggest names in world hockey, particularly as defenders. Both Arthur and Alex are incredible in defence and have great game knowledge, presence of mind, and are tactically very sound even in PC defending,” he noted.
He added, “Apart from learning on-field traits from them over the course of one month during HIL, I also want to observe how they prepare for a match, how they conduct themselves off the field, and how they unwind. This is the closest we can get to any international hockey star and there’s no better place than HIL to do this.”
Sunil’s motivation in hockey springs from his belief that success in the sport can significantly enhance his family’s financial situation. “We have a small half acre land in our village, and livelihood is not easy, but I am optimistic that a good show in hockey will land me a job. Now with Hockey India’s cash awards for big wins and the remuneration from Hockey India League, I am certain my family’s conditions are bound to improve,” he expressed.
The Vedanta Kalinga Lancers will kick off their campaign against Ranchi Royals on January 4.