Sports Is Still a Passion for Former Indian Hockey Captain!

Viren Rasquinha might have announced a surprise retirement from international hockey for an MBA degree from the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, but the former captain’s heart still beats for the national game. Though not happy with his unceremonious omission from Indian squad for the Doha Asian Games in 2006 and thereafter, the mid-fielder known for his grit and determination on the field, wants to keep the good memories and acknowledge the fame and fortune that hockey has given him as a player.

Viren says that he owes a lot to the game and is determined to give it back in whatever capacity he can. The Bandra boy, tells Charu about his life after retirement and his future plans after the degree.

Why MBA?

It wasn’t a sudden decision. I had been planning it since long. But what happened before the Asian Games helped me in taking this decision. When I was dropped from the squad, I was at the peak of my career. I was disappointed. It was at that time that I took my GMAT exam and had applied in other institutes as well. I was getting prepared for life after hockey eventually. I got a good opportunity and did not want to miss it. That’s why I chose Hyderabad.

Passing hurdles

I had always been a good student. It wasn’t easy for me to get admission in Indian School of Business. The admission procedure was strict. Thankfully I had a good GMAT score and being an international hockey player added to my points.

Life after hockey

Retirement from competitive hockey is a big decision that I have taken. I have always been ambitious in life. I make sure that whatever I do in life, I should not lack in putting my effort. After I complete my MBA, I would love to work in India itself. I think we have ample job opportunities here. But then it won’t be wise for me to predict my future.

Everything for hockey

It has been a fantastic experience and enjoyed playing hockey. There had been ups and downs also but then it’s part and parcel of life. My good memories take over the not-so-good ones. Because of hockey I got a chance to make friends all over the country. And then the love that I received from fans was encouraging. It’s tough to go away from hockey. Whatever I am today is because of the game. I will try to remain associated with the game in whatever capacity I can. I owe a lot to the game. I will love to give it back but in what capacity I can’t say right now.

(Viren Wilfred Rasquinha was captain of India’s national field hockey team. He studied at the St. Stanislaus High School, and was a member of the Indian team that finished seventh at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. On his retirement from international hockey at a young of 28, he said, “Retirement is a very personal thing…For me, it was difficult but I always wanted to retire at the peak of my game. People ask me till today why I retired early and remember me fondly, with respect. That is all I can ask for.)