Playing major events helped me handle pressure, will be handy at Olympics: Nilakanta

Indian hockey crew midfielder Nilakanta Sharma says the expertise of enjoying in big-ticket occasions such because the 2018 World Cup has helped him perceive his position within the crew, which will probably be helpful at subsequent 12 months’s Olympics.

“I have been in the international circuit for around three years and have been very fortunate to be a part of big competitions such as the hockey men’s world cup 2018 and FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2019,” mentioned Nilakanta.

“It’s great to have so much experience under my belt, which will be a big bonus for a tournament like the Olympics next year. I have learned to stay calm and composed in pressure situations and have a great understanding of my role in the side.”

Nilakanta mentioned he enjoys good communication with captain Manpreet Singh and Hardik Singh within the midfield area.

“The way Manpreet and I communicate on the field is terrific. Manpreet motivates all of us through the way he plays his game and ensures that every player is contributing to the team’s cause in some way or the other. I share a great bond with Hardik as well,” he mentioned.

“We understand each other’s games which makes it easy for us to support each other. We have been communicating well for quite some time now and hopefully, we will be able to hit the right note as soon as we get back to practice and eventually on the field.” The 25-year-old from Manipur mentioned he’s centered on sustaining his health in the course of the nationwide lockdown which is in place at the moment to include the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There’s no doubt that it’s been a difficult couple of months for all of us. We made it a point to keep training in whichever way we can once the lockdown began. With minimal equipment such as bands, we are doing several exercises in our rooms throughout the day,” he mentioned.

Nilakanta mentioned your entire crew is finishing up a number of workouts of their rooms on the Sports Authority of India campus in Bengaluru, with a view to keep centered throughout this era.

“Fitness will play a key role in how we react to certain situations once we are in the midst of a match in the future. We are carrying out push-ups, crunches, sit-ups and going for individual runs on a regular basis.

“Our Scientific Advisor Robin Arkell has devised some amazing fitness schedules which have helped us maintain our fitness standards,” mentioned the midfielder.