Goalkeeper Suraj Karkera shines for UK United

India goalkeeper Suraj Karkera with the UK United team after winning the Tankant Hockey Series at St Stanislaus ground, Bandra, recently

Mumbai-based hockey goalkeeper Suraj Karkera, who has represented India, was in fine form under the bar as he helped Uncle's Kitchen United win the inaugural Tankant Hockey Series five-a-side tournament played on the international Hockey5s format at the St Stanislaus Ground, Bandra recently.

UK United beat Mumbai Super League outfit Central Railway 5-1 in the final thanks mainly to a hat-trick by Mohammed Raheel Mouseen and a brace by Abharan Sudev. CR pulled one back through Anup Valmiki. "It was nice to return to competitive hockey after nearly two years, following the COVID-19 break. This format was fast with back-to-back matches. I enjoyed being in the thick of the action," Karkera, 25, told mid-day on Thursday.

Karkera, a product of Marzban Patel's Bombay Republicans, currently represents Pune's Bombay Engineering Group, where he is employed as a Junior Commissioned Officer. He last played in India's victorious campaign at the Tokyo Olympics test event in 2019 and was the only Mumbai player among the 33 shortlisted for the Olympics but failed to make the final 19.

Former India goalkeeper Adrian D'Souza, who was coach of UK United at the day-long 16-team tournament, was impressed with Karkera's skills and felt that the India No. 3 custodian (after PR Sreejesh and Krishan Pathak) can rise through the ranks.

"Suraj played when it mattered. In the final especially, he was rock solid, making saves with his kickers, pads and gloves. Throughout the tournament, he picked up as the games progressed. He has gained experience in playing under pressure and that's most important. He just needs to be more vocal," said D'Souza.

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