Bengaluru, Jan 9 (UNI) The young forward S Karthi from Tamil Nadu, who is part of the Indian Junior Men's Hockey Core Probable Group is vying to make his Junior India debut this year, says he admires his senior compatriot Harmanpreet Singh for his drag-flicking abilities.

From a small town named Ariyalur, about 350 kms from Chennai, in Tamil Nadu known for its limestone-rich soil and cement factories, S Karthi made a career choice of playing hockey. Starting off young, Karthi's progress was swift. A series of strong performances for the Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu in the Hockey India Junior National Championships saw him receive a call-up for India Colts Camp in 2018.

While the pandemic has disrupted many livelihoods, Karthi too had found himself at the crossroads when he had to work part-time in a bakery as his father's meagre salary was cut further following nationwide lockdowns last year.

"I had just returned home from National Camp in March last year when the nationwide lockdown was announced. With no colleges functional, my father's salary was reduced to half leaving the family in dire need of money to make ends meet. I chose to work in a nearby bakery from 10am to 3pm to help my family meet the expenses," recalled Karthi of the hardships faced last year.

Hockey India in August 2020 had provided financial aid of Rs 10,000 to 61 core probable athletes not holding employment. The objective of this initiative was to provide financial relief for athletes, to be able to assist them to resume sporting activities.

"This came as an immense support to me during those days. But most importantly it also made me realize that because I am a hockey player currently in the Junior core group, I was provided the financial aid. If I had not pursued hockey, I perhaps would have been doing odd jobs to earn a living. It has made me more determined to do well and earn a place in the Junior India Team and go on to a successful international career," stated Karthi.

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