SV Sunil, the Gareth Bale of Indian Hockey

Sunil is yet another example of a brilliant athlete born in poverty. The 27-year-old forward hails from small town in Karnataka. He lost his mother at the age of four. As a kid, he used a bamboo stick to practice the sport since his father could not afford a hockey stick.

 

 

 

Sunil made his international debut during Asia Cup 2007 in Chennai. India won that tournament by beating Korea in the final.

 

Sunil so far has managed 56 international goals. He is notable for his speed and excellent ability of dribbling the ball past the defenders with ease. He now mostly plays as a winger.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Hockey Champions Challenge 2011 was a high point in his career. He scored four goals in that tournament - the most by an Indian forward.

 

 

 

In the inaugural auctions of Hockey India League (HIL) in 2013, Sunil was bought by Punjab's franchise for $42,000 when his base price was $14,000. Punjab Warriors had finished fourth that season before registering their best performance in 2014 where they were second.

 

Sunil has an international experience of close to 10 years now and with 166 caps for India, he is one of the most crucial members of the men's Indian Hockey team. India play Ireland in thier opening fixture.