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Yuvraj Walmiki strike takes railmen past police

India striker scores lone goal of match 12 hours after returning from national camp for Asiad

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Yuvraj Walmiki at the MHAL on Wednesday
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He returned to Mumbai from the Asian Games national camp in New Delhi at 4am, 12 hours later, Yuvraj Walmiki gave Central Railway a 1-0 victory scoring a last minute winner against Maharashtra State Police at the MHAL stadium, Churchgate, on Wednesday.

"I came back from the Asian Games camp since the squad is leaving for Incheon on this Friday or Sunday. I decided to play the league as the seven standby's were released. There's not been much time to rest but anything for hockey," said the 23-year-old.

Despite giving his side the much needed three points, Walmiki was far from impressed with the performance.

"We weren't satisfied with the way we played but it's always good to end the match on a winning note. We missed a lot of opportunities but I think we'll improve with every passing game," said the striker.

Walmiki gave credit to his younger brother Devinder, who set him up for the goal. "The pass was the icing on the cake. All these years of playing together plays a role in moments like this. He knows exactly where I will make my run and he doesn't need to call to say I will receive his pass. The two of us just know it," said Yuvraj.

Talking about his World Cup experience this year in Hague, Walmiki said that it was a dream come true. "World Cups and Olympics are always special. It's a great learning experience as you get to play against the best and it's even better when some of these players come to India to play the Hockey India League," said Walmiki, who plays for the Delhi Waveriders in the HIL.

Walmiki said he will be at the edge of his seat watching his team face Asia's best in a few days time. He is full of optimism as far as India's chances are concerned.

"Being with the team for the past four years, Terry Walsh has done a fantastic job. He understands each and every player. He comes up to every player at the breakfast table and asks us how we are doing. He is always there for us. Everyone has seen the result in the CWG and I hope under Sardar Singh's leadership we can win gold. My message for the team would be turn the silver we won at Glasgow into gold at Incheon."

Walmiki attributes his mental strength that has given him the courage to face disappointment after facing expulsions from the national side.

"The first time was the hardest to cope with. You feel bad after playing for two years (2011-13) and then suddenly be dropped. I never took this as a negative. I realised that there may be some area where I was lacking. That is what I worked on while training and when I went to the next camp people would see a totally different Yuvraj," said the Mumbai lad.

Stopwatch: Central Railway 1 (Y Walmiki) bt Maharashtra State Police 0

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