Arjun Halappa is a seasoned Indian field hockey player who has made remarkable contributions to domestic and international circuits.
Hyderabad, India, 1999. A young, talented hockey player from India’s favourite castle in Karnataka plays his first Senior Nationals and gets selected among 72 probables for a conditioning camp.
Junior Asia Cup, 2000. India lost the gold medal to South Korea 2-3. Arjun Halappa scored eight goals in that quadrennial tournament.
Prime Minister’s Gold Cup, 2001. A star born in Somwarpet starts his journey towards becoming a hero in Indian colours. Arjun Halappa represents India against Egypt for the first time. Gold at the Kuala Lumpur Champions Challenge in 2000, Silver at the Delhi Commonwealth Games in 2010, and many more would follow.
Arjun Halappa’s career trajectory saw him donning the jerseys of Indian Airlines and Karnataka teams in the domestic circuit. He has earned accolades like the Karnataka Rajyotsava Puraskar and the Ekalavya Puraskar. He has participated in prestigious events such as the Olympics, World Cup, Champions Trophy, and various tours across continents.
Arjun grew up in Coorg, which is, in many ways, the epicenter of Hockey in Karnataka. His father, Mr. P. K Allappan, heavily influenced him, which can be seen in his hockey and upbringing. It was because of his father that Arjun took up hockey, where he would play for the Blue Star Hockey Club during his earlier days. As he started growing up the sports ladder, he looked up to Dhanraj Pillay as his mentor and good friend with whom he would share a room in the Olympic Village.
Arjun started in the midfield on the hockey field as a Right-In or Left-In. When he joined the sports hostel, he was deployed as an attacking Right Half and gradually progressed to the midfield. Under Spaniard Jose Brasa, he would play in the midfield, where the coach felt Arjun could exert more control than on the planks. As a player, Arjun believed in getting the basics correct, which he learned from his father – pushing and stopping the hockey ball, irrespective of the opponent. He scored some excellent goals in his India career, but for him, it was always a good push and those long balls as a midfielder.
Indian hockey revolves around the Olympics; no other sporting event is more significant than that. For hardcore fans who never gave up supporting Indian Hockey, it is a dream to see Dhanraj Pillay as a national coach one day.
Arjun Halappa; I’ve had the opportunity to work with numerous coaches throughout my career, including Indian coaches. Reflecting on the latter stages of my playing career around 2011-2012, I experienced a particularly fruitful period under Coach Brassa. Undoubtedly, there is immense potential for Indian coaches to excel in their roles. Mr. Harendra Singh, for instance, has demonstrated considerable prowess, even incorporating modern hockey techniques into his approach. However, there is always room for learning and growth. The potential for advancement is evident with the emergence of younger talents like Shivendra Singh and Tushar Khandekar. Speaking of potential coaches, I greatly admire Dhanraj Pillay and envision him contributing significantly, particularly in attacking strategies and insights from a striker’s perspective. His innate understanding of the game is unparalleled and would benefit any coaching setup. His inclusion would bring valuable experience, including lessons learned from past disappointments like the 2000 Olympics, and instill a renewed sense of purpose and direction within the team. His involvement would elevate the team’s performance and add substantial value to its dynamics.
TSC’s Ravi Mandapaka recently interviewed Arjun Halappa about his life and times as a hockey player in India.
Ravi: Can you talk about your experience playing domestic hockey?
Arjun Halappa: I have had the privilege of participating in domestic hockey tournaments since 1997, and my peak performance occurred during the national league in 1994, where I began my journey representing Karnataka in sub-junior nationals and later joined the Steel Authority of India for one season in 1997. In 1998, I represented Karnataka in the national games, and we achieved a commendable third position. From 1997, my career trajectory took off, and I actively engaged in various tournaments, including the Bangalore Super League, which provided a crucial platform for aspiring players in our region. During that period, Karnataka boasted divisions ranging from C to A, including the Super Division, and I actively participated in all of them. I advocate for the revival of prestigious tournaments like the Nehru Cup and envision the participation of top players annually. These tournaments, like the Nehru Cup, MCC Cup, Bombay Gold Cup, Aga Khan Cup, and Beighton Cup, have a rich legacy and offer young talents an avenue to showcase their skills and potentially enter the national team. Historically, these competitions also served as talent pools for national team selection. Also, I aspire to see international players participate in select domestic tournaments annually, elevating the stature of these events and promoting hockey on a global scale. While this may be challenging, their involvement would amplify hockey’s popularity and sponsorship appeal. As for the current state of Karnataka hockey, I commend the team’s performance in various domestic tournaments and national games. Today, Karnataka’s domestic hockey scene displays promise, and I hope our achievements will translate into more players donning the national colours and contributing to India’s hockey legacy.
Ravi: It’s disappointing that the Women’s Team didn’t qualify for the Paris Olympics. Looking ahead over the next five years, what are your expectations for the men’s and women’s teams?
Arjun Halappa: Regarding performance, our hockey trajectory has been remarkable since winning the Junior World Cup in 2001. However, I wouldn’t classify it as excellent, but rather commendable. The turning point came after the Commonwealth Games 2010, where significant changes were made to our team structure and playing style. While I don’t attribute blame to any specific factor or individual, there was a notable shift in our collective approach to the game. From 2009-2010 onwards, there was a marked improvement in our ability to function as a cohesive unit and secure victories as a team. This period has marked a transformative journey for us.
Ravi: There’s a prevalent opinion that India struggles with penalty corners in hockey. What are your thoughts on this?
Courtesy The Asian Age
Arjun Halappa: Everyone has their own opinions, and critics play a valuable role in identifying areas for improvement and suggesting solutions. Despite occasional setbacks in a match or two, the team has progressed remarkably well. While every athlete, including myself, aspires for India to secure Olympic medals, we’re thrilled to witness the next generation of athletes striving for success in Tokyo. The current national team is performing admirably, evident in their rankings and consistent victories on their home turf against formidable opponents like Australia and the Netherlands. It’s essential to recognize that progress is a continuous journey, much like how cricket in India evolved under Sourav Ganguly’s leadership from 1999 onward. The transformational process involved various elements, such as the introduction of physiotherapy, rehabilitation programs, nutritional enhancements, and improved travel accommodations, all of which contributed to a structured approach. The Hockey India League also played a pivotal role by providing exposure and opportunities for Indian players to compete alongside their international counterparts. This exposure shattered misconceptions and instilled confidence in our athletes, irrespective of their backgrounds. Witnessing cricket’s commercial growth and prosperity, I’m equally pleased to see hockey flourishing. National-level hockey players now enjoy stable careers, allowing them to provide for their families and lead comfortable lives.
Ravi: Could you provide insights into the Lakshyan Academy of Sports (LAS) and discuss your role as a joint director? What are your aspirations for LAS in the next five to ten years?
Courtesy Times Content
Arjun Halappa: The idea for the Lakshyan Academy of Sports (LAS) originated during my visit to the US in 2004, preceding the Athens Olympics. Witnessing the comprehensive training facilities there, I wondered why India couldn’t have similar infrastructure to nurture medal-winning athletes over a sustained period rather than just a month-long stint before significant events. This idea remained dormant until it resurfaced years later when my wife played a pivotal role in bringing it to fruition. The vision for LAS transcends conventional training centres. It aims to offer state-of-the-art facilities and exposure to individuals of all ages and walks of life, from toddlers to seniors. Our primary goal is democratizing access to top-notch infrastructure and training across various sports disciplines alongside rehabilitation facilities. The realization of LAS owes much to the vision and investment of dedicated individuals and partners who share our commitment to sports development. The scale of this venture, covering 11 sports and including a high-performance centre, underscores its significance. As a joint director, my role is driven by a desire to see LAS thrive and contribute to India’s larger narrative of sports. Success means more than medals; it’s about fostering a culture where everyone sees sports as a viable career option. Our tagline, “Lakshyan Academy of Sports: Everyone is a winner,” reflects our belief that sports offer numerous career pathways beyond winning medals. Looking ahead, our ambition for LAS is multifaceted. We envision expanding our reach to accommodate thousands of individuals, instilling a sense of sporting ethos nationwide. We aspire to see a day when sports become an integral part of every household, nurturing athletes and well-rounded individuals who embody sportsmanship, resilience, and humility, both on and off the field. Ultimately, our goal is to contribute to the growth of a sporting nation where accessibility, opportunity, and inclusivity are paramount.
Ravi: Do you have any specific message for the next generation of hockey players in India?
Arjun Halappa: To succeed in field hockey, it is imperative to acknowledge that more than talent alone may be needed. Alongside an unwavering passion and determination for the sport, one must devote oneself to consistent hard work and dedication. Although this path may prove challenging, perseverance and effort can lead to greatness. Furthermore, it is highly recommended that athletes prioritize their education alongside their athletic pursuits. A future where athletes embrace entrepreneurship and positively contribute to society through athletic endeavours, business ventures, coaching, and other avenues is envisioned. This holistic approach fosters personal and societal growth, which should be aspired towards. It is crucial to note that with the right mindset, the possibilities are endless.
