SV Sunil, the veteran Indian hockey player with a decade-long international career, is looking to squeeze every last drop of hockey out of his playing days on the domestic circuit. With his 35th birthday behind him, Sunil is clear about his goals: “I will play till I can. After that, I will move on to the next level,” he said after his team, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), lost 4-5 to Railway Sports Promotion Board in their final Pool A match of the 95th All India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup Hockey Tournament.
Sunil, hailing from Coorg in Karnataka, boasts an impressive international resume, having played 271 matches for India, including the 2012 and 2016 Olympics in London and Rio de Janeiro respectively. He even has the logos of both Olympic editions inked on his right leg as a permanent reminder of these monumental achievements. A key player in India’s forward line throughout the 2010s, Sunil racked up 103 goals, earning fame for his lung-busting runs down the flanks. However, he announced his international retirement after missing the bus for the Tokyo Games. He did make a comeback for the Asia Cup two years ago, where India secured bronze, but it marked his last time donning the blue jersey. While his speed on the field might have slowed, Sunil’s passion for the sport hasn’t dwindled. He’s still going strong, playing for BPCL and keeping a keen eye on the much-anticipated return of the Hockey India League (HIL) after an eight-year hiatus. The HIL is scheduled to run from the last week of December 2024 to the first week of February 2025, a window approved by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
“I have registered as a player. If I get picked, I will play,” Sunil declared. Otherwise, it seems his “next level” might be on the horizon. Many of Sunil’s former teammates, including Rupinder Pal Singh, Birendra Lakra, and most recently PR Sreejesh, have transitioned into coaching roles. Hockey India even approached Sunil to join the national junior side’s coaching setup.
“I did receive a call for the junior team but haven’t decided yet. I have asked for some time. I have certain commitments right now,” he clarified. The Murugappa Cup offers a fascinating blend of young, upcoming players and former Indian internationals. For hockey fans in Chennai, it’s a golden opportunity to witness two generations of Indian hockey talent compete simultaneously.
While acknowledging the improvement in facilities for players compared to when he first participated in the competition in 2008, Sunil lamented the decline in crowd attendance. “Compared to when I made my debut, the number of spectators is less but the organisation has improved – in terms of communication, practice pitches as well as timings. Earlier, there were no practice pitches,” he said.
The Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium received a new turf and an additional practice pitch in preparation for the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy. Since then, it has also hosted the Senior Men’s National Championships 2023 and the Khelo India Youth Games competitions. However, for an 8000-capacity venue, the stands were sparsely populated with barely 200 people watching the match featuring a two-time Olympian.
The jam-packed FIH calendar doesn’t allow most members of the national team’s core group to participate in many tournaments like the Murugappa Gold Cup. Sunil empathizes with their situation, saying, “National players have camps throughout the year. They also need to rest when there is no camp and hence, it is tough for them to play in such tournaments.”
From November 4th to 15th, Chennai will host the Senior National Men’s Championship, and fans can expect to see the stars of the bronze medal-winning Paris Olympics campaign in action. “They have been allowed to play Senior Nationals which is a good thing. When national players will come to play, more spectators will come to watch,” Sunil said, radiating optimism.
With his dedication to the sport and unwavering spirit, SV Sunil’s hockey journey is far from over. Whether he continues playing or moves into coaching, one thing is certain: his passion for hockey will continue to inspire the next generation of players.
