Siblings Yuvraj and Devindar add to the young flavour in the hockey team

By V Krishnaswamy
A goal in each of his first two international matches is almost like a dream and Devindar Walmiki cannot stop smiling. His brother, older by three years, Yuvraj, too, is bursting with pride. After Devindar scored once in his maiden appearance for India against France, both brothers scored a goal each as India outplayed Poland 3-0 in the second match of the Hockey World League on Tuesday.

“Our mother is most excited. The whole family and all our friends in Mumbai are excited. It is something that we all dreamt about and it is happening,” said Devinder, younger but taller and better built than his brother.

“For me, I was waiting for the day when we both stood together for the Indian National Anthem in India shirts and it has happened, Yuvraj said.

With coach Paul Van Ass relying on ‘energy’ and ‘youth’ to go hand in hand with experience, the Walmiki brothers got their chances in the matches at Antwerp as they were brought in as the matches progressed.

A hallmark of the present Indian team has been support for each other and a lot of players credit the seniors, Sardar Singh and PR Sreejesh for it.

Among the first to hug his brother at the end of the match, Yuvraj also tweeted, “Nobody could ve been more proud, happy and delighted when @DWalmiki scored a goal in his debut match. Tears of happiness and smile of pride”.

At the end of the second match, where he himself scored a magnificent goal , skipper Sardar said, “These youngsters have been great for the team. They are learning with each step and this tournament is being used to build a squad for the Olympics.”

“We have a team that has both youngsters and experienced players. The youngsters give a lot of energy and emotion and that is very much needed for good results. Devinder had a good match and I am happy he is scoring,” Coach Van Ass, added.

Yuvraj and Devindar come from a humble background. Growing up in a shanty near a hockey Stadium, sport was their only way out of the modest moorings. Yuvraj was the leader and whatever he did inspired Devindar, who admits his elder brother is his ‘idol’. He asks with a smile, “Who else?” and that answers it.