Karthi Selvam learning, adapting and improving steadily

He will return to his home state Tamil Nadu with the Indian hockey team for the Asian Champions Trophy 2023.

Karthi Selvam has been a breakthrough talent from a hockey rich state of Tamil Nadu. The 21-year-old from Ariyalur district took small steps since his junior days to earn a spot in the senior national men's team. Since 2009, Karthi Selvam alongside Sakthivel Mareeswaran are the only TN players to be selected for the senior national side.

Fast forward to now, Karthi has become an integral part of the senior team and ended his campaign in the FIH men's Hockey Pro League scoring five goals, two of which came against New Zealand during his debut in the Pro League in October last year.

The forward has also been selected in the 18-member squad for Asian Champions Trophy scheduled to be held in his home state of Tamil Nadu. Khel Now got an opportunity to interact with the youngster on his career path and much more. Here are the excerpts.

Decision to take up hockey and initial struggles

Karthi Selvam said, "Initially I did not have intention to take up hockey and was focused on playing all the sports available in my place. My seniors in school days used to play hockey regularly which developed an interest in me and slowly I started playing alongside them. Although hockey is not very famous in my district but there is an age-old club which has produced several hockey players who have gone on to represent the national side."

"After 12th grade, I shifted to Sports Hostel of Excellence in Kovilpatti in 2019. In a junior's meet, I finished as the top goalscorer which propelled me to the Indian junior national team camp and since then I have been a regular member of the national side.

He further added on his initial struggles, "My parents were very supportive towards my decision to take up hockey. Even during financial difficulties, they helped me in buying whatever was needed for the sport. Apart from my parents, there is a senior and a hockey player, Ranjith (played for Ariyalur district team), who supported me during my tough times. He used to take care of all my expenses, and it is specifically because of him I took up hockey.

"I faced financial difficulties after grade 12 and he came forward to help me and it was then I got very close to Ranjith."

Joining Sports Hostel of Excellence in Kovilpatti

After finishing schooling, Karthi Selvam joined SS Duraisamy Mariammal Arts College near Kovilpatti for pursuing his graduation. He also got enrolled in the Sports Hostel for Excellence (SHE) which has one of the best facilities and talents getting trained from TN.

"Joining SHE was a major move in my career. In other places, there never used to be continuous practise but in the sports hostel in Kovilpatti, we used to practise regularly. We also had good turf to practise in and the infrastructure overall was good."

Getting to Indian team

The youngster made his India debut at the Asia Cup 2022 against arch-rivals Pakistan. He also went on to score on his debut for the senior side helping fetch a draw.

As I mentioned before, "I joined the junior camp in 2019 and was part of the probables for the Junior World Cup but couldn't make the final cut. Last year, I got selected to play in the Asia Cup which was basically an 'India A' side led by coach by Sardar Singh.

"I made my debut and scored my first senior goal against Pakistan which was a memorable moment. Initially I had some pressure making my debut against Pakistan, but my teammates supported me a lot which made me feel calm and composed."

Adapting to Craig Fulton's style of play

"The current coach is trying different things and we are slowly adapting to his style. Craig Fulton has strengthened the defence with counter-attack building up thick and fast. Although we have lost few matches in the Pro League in June, we learnt a lot and are building up well.

"Initially it took me time to adapt but slowly with more matches and practise, I am improving steadily."

Playing alongside several experienced forwards

"We play a lot of practise matches before any tournament to build our combinations. We try to do similar combination play in the matches as well. Mandeep Singh has helped me wherever needed. I play in his position — centre forward — and he helps me understand on how a centre-forward needs to approach the match.

"I and Abhishek Singh are pretty young to the side but have played together for a long time. During matches, eye contacts play a major role, as to where to pass rather than making signs or actions. Also apart from just focussing in forward play, I am also adapting myself to helping the defensive setup and counter-attack when needed."

Karthi Selvam named in Asian Champions Trophy squad

Selvam has been named in the 18-member Indian squad for the Asian Champions Trophy, which is set to be held in Chennai from August 3 to 12.

"Feeling very excited to play in front of my home crowd and it feels like an added pressure now. My family will be there to support me at the stadium and most of my friends who are working in Chennai will also turn up to support me."