“Back In 1995, My Field Hockey Idols Were Seniors Who Played at CRZ School, Sonipat”

So says Bharat Chhikara about his inspiration to play and excel in the sport of field hockey. Here’s what else Chhikara had to say in an interview with TSC.

Field hockey star, Bharat Chhikara, achieved fame and adulation in the national game of field hockey, playing a vital role on the team that won the Bronze Medal at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, and the Silver Medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

TSC’s Ravi Mandapaka caught up recently with Mr. Chhikara for a conversation about his life and hockey.

Courtesy: The Bridge

Ravi: Thank you for accepting our invitation for an interview! What was the highlight of your playing career?

Bharat Chhikara: It was when I won the Gold Medal in the Asian Games in 2001.

Ravi: Who were your biggest inspirations? And what has been your personal key to success?

Bharat Chhikara: It was from my seniors when I started to learn field hockey in 1995 at C.R.Z School Sonipat in Haryana. I felt pleased when I saw a few excellent players over there, and I was thinking about how I could become the same as them. They were my ideals. I had heard stories of good hockey players like Shilu, Avtar Singh, Pardeep Hooda, Surender Kundu, Kuldeep, Ravinder, Bilu Bhai, Dozer. Ashok, and many more. They all were my inspiration at that time. My key to success was how might I become #1, and by thinking and reading from a variety of sources.

Ravi: There’s always talk about being match-fit. Do you think that is an area of concern when India tackles European teams?

Courtesy: Facebook

Bharat Chhikara: It’s actually a lie! In the most recent times, I have seen many Indian matches, and our players are fitter than many.

Ravi: If I have to ask you to choose between Asian Games Bronze and Commonwealth Silver, what would you choose?

Bharat Chhikara: Both are important, but I was not happy with Indian performances (including my own) in both of those tournaments.

Ravi: Are there any gaps between coaching and fitness training standards in India and other countries?

Bharat Chhikara: Earlier, it used to be. But it’s not visibly much nowadays.

Ravi: How do you see hockey evolving in your state and our country?

Bharat Chhikara: My state has some outstanding players because they are hardworking

Ravi: You’ve had a very forgetful experience from the national federation when you decided to play in the World Series Hockey. How did you handle that phase? What lessons did it teach you in life and sport?

Bharat Chhikara: Hahaha! Yes, it was my horrible decision, but because of someone, I made the decision because he had given me a chance to play for my nation. I learned from the mistake that the country always comes first.

Ravi: When do you think Indian Hockey Team will win a medal in Olympics next?

Bharat Chhikara: As things stand, we should accept every situation as it comes–good, bad, and ugly–and ensure that we remain focused all time. I am enjoying my term as an active player still, and I’m coaching young children and sportspersons.

Thank you!