Ace drag flicker plans to set up an academy after retirement
Kolkata: He is currently the best drag flicker of the country along with Rupinder Pal Singh. 28 year old VR Raghunath feels India will be one of the top contenders for Hockey World Cup in 2018 which will be staged in Bhuvaneshwar from November 28-December 16.
“Our target is to reach the Top 3 before the World Cup. We will definitely be the favourites to lift the cup at home,” said the two times Olympian (represented the country in 2012 & 2016 Olympics) on the sidelines of the astro turf at SAI in Salt Lake.
Raghunath was the captain of Indian team in the recently concluded four nation’s hockey tournament Down Under. India finished third beating Malaysia 4-1. The defender was handed captaincy duties in the absence of injured goalkeeper Sreejesh P.R.
The stout defender from Karnataka has been an indispensable member of the Indian hockey team in recent times. But Raghunath, who is part of the Indian Oil team now taking part in Beighton Cup Hockey, is more famous with his drag flicks.
Asked to comment about the secret of his drag flicks, he said, “First and foremost you need to generate power in your strokes. I have been practicing hitting drag flicks at least 60-70 times after the normal training session. It’s all about dedication.”
Raghunath, who started practicing drag flicks from the age of 10 years has scored 150 international goals in 230 matches. Most interestingly all his goals were scored from drag flicks.
“Training under Len Aiyappa and Yograj Singh has helped me lot.”
Talking about the present drag flickers who he reckons has done well for the country, he said, “Rupinder has been the best. Then you have Gurjinder Singh and Varun as well who are doing well.”
The conversion rate of goals from drag flicks has increased reasonably for the national team ever since the likes of Rupinder and Raghunath has burst into the scene.
Raghunath is also planning an academy in Shanti Nagar after retirement with an aim to produce more drag flickers for the country.
“I would play another couple of years after which I plan to start an academy. The basic aim will be produce more and more drag flickers for the country” signed off Raghunath.
Meanwhile, the semi-final lineup is finalized for the 71st Beighton Cup. Bharat Petroleum Control Board will meet Punjab National Bank in the first semi final while Indian Oil Limited will come up against ONGC in the second semi final on Monday.