Varun Kumar is optimistic that the recent one-month break from competitive play will benefit the Indian hockey team in the long run. With the lockdown still in place, this time off allows players to be with their families, which Kumar views as a way to rejuvenate and regain the focus and confidence needed for their next big challenge: the Tokyo Olympics in July 2021.
Indian hockey player Varun Kumar is confident with the new one-month break from the competitive sport Indian Hockey team received recently will help them for future challenges. During the one-month break, players will be spending time with their families due to the active lockdown. He feels this can profit the players to rejuvenate their energy and return to the field more confident and focused. The national hockey team’s next major sporting event will be the Tokyo Olympics scheduled to start in July 2021.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Indian national hockey team spent more than two months in isolation at a Bengaluru facility. With the gradual lifting of lockdown measures, the players have finally been allowed a month-long break to return home to their families.
In a recent media interaction, Varun Kumar highlighted that this break is a perfect chance for the players to refresh and recover. He acknowledged that they will have to put in the hard work to get back up to speed, keeping the Olympics as their primary target. Kumar also stressed that mental health is just as important as physical training, noting that stepping away from the sport to spend quality time with family helps clear the mind.
Last year, Varun faced a significant setback when nerve damage in his right arm forced him to miss the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers. He has since been focusing on his rehabilitation and has yet to make his return to international play. A standout in his early career, Varun was part of the squad that claimed the 2016 Junior World Cup—an achievement the defender still considers the highlight of his professional life.
Kumar admitted that taking a break is bittersweet since he hasn't yet returned to competitive action. However, he understands and accepts that public health and safety must come first. He also mentioned that he is enjoying the chance to reflect on his journey with his teammates; this is a rare luxury they couldn't afford before due to their grueling tournament schedules, and it's helping him build confidence for what's next.