Since the beginning of the year, Mohith HS has been quietly firming his place in the Indian hockey team, leapfrogging the experienced Krishan Pathak to be the preferred choice along with Suraj Karkera.
It was not surprising, therefore, when the 24-year-old was named in the Indian squad for the upcoming World Cup and, on Wednesday, the Asian Games as well. For the youngster, this would be a baptism by fire – his only other senior outing besides the FIH Pro League over the past two years was the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup last year.
“I was excited when I heard my name, and I would like to believe I have earned my place. As a player, I don’t think too much about expecting or not expecting selection, but I always knew I had to represent India in the World Cup. I was working hard, and I made my way,” Mohith told Sportstar ahead of his World Cup debut.
He isn’t completely bereft of top-tier experience, though, having won the Junior Asia Cup gold and been part of the fourth-placed side at the Junior World Cup in 2023. But he knows the elite level is a different ball game.
“I am excited, happy and looking forward to playing and winning. But there is no nervousness,” he declared.
“As a team, we are looking forward to winning and playing with the same mindset that we’ve had through the final phase of the Pro League. Individually, I simply want to play my part and give my 100 per cent to the team,” he added.
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The confidence stems from the kind of players he has been fortunate to play with. Over the last few years, Mohith has been part of the Indian squad, training with the likes of PR Sreejesh, Pathak and Karkera. In addition, the Hockey India League gave him a chance to pick the brains of one of the legends of goalkeeping, Vincent Vanasch, as a teammate at Soorma Hockey Club.
“Every goalkeeper has a strong and a weak spot. I observe them and try to take the strong points from each, both on and off the field. From Sreejesh, I have learned the basics and the importance of communication, which is very strong. I also learned mental toughness. From Vanasch, calmness on the field, defending penalty corners, etc. Training with Pathak and Suraj, we always discuss what we should have done. They always help me,” he explained when asked about the various influences.
And what is his own style? “It’s all mixed, depending on what the match requires. I’m a mix of everything. I always research the opposition players and teams, how they play, and prepare accordingly for a particular player. I love to be defensive and at the same time be aggressive,” he admitted.
The one player he is looking forward to taking on is Belgian veteran Tom Boon. The 36-year-old is going strong and showing no signs of slowing down, and Mohith is aware of his abilities.
“The Belgians have quite a few very good strikers who are very aggressive. Tom Boon has all the abilities – he can flick, he can hit, and he’s a poacher. He will be playing on home ground, which makes him even more dangerous. He is a tough guy to stop; I’m looking forward to doing it,” Mohith signed off.
Published on Jul 29, 2026
