To be key against Dutch Mumbai-born Keegan dreams of Olympics glory for Canada
India will have to repeat performance against Germany when they face the Netherlands
RAIPUR: When non-resident Indians or their children play for their adopted country against India, their families, including extended one in India, face a dilemma over which country to support. In case, the said sportsperson is born in India, the case of divided loyalty is far more severe.
The family of Canada’s Mumbai-born Keegan Pereira has faced this ordeal only once – in 2009 when he made his debut against India in a test series in Canada.
Since then, they have been spared that ordeal. Despite visiting India for the 2010 World Cup, Keegan has not played against India anymore. The two teams may meet here in the Hockey World League final only in the quarterfinals as both are in separate groups.
Keegan learnt hockey from his father Reginald, who has played for Mumbai and Mahindras, when he was six and remembers turning out for Bandra school St Stanislaus’ under-8 team. He also has fond memories of watching his father playing at the Mahindra Stadium.
“I used to play for the under-8 team and also remember playing a final against Don Bosco, Matunga. I remember playing football on those vast fields. I remember studying Hindi and Marathi and just not doing well in it,” said Keegan.
He visited Mumbai in 2005 and his father took him to Dhanraj Pillay’s house and to meet former India coach Joaquim Carvalho.
Whether he plays again against India or not, Keegan looks closer to fulfilling another dream – of playing in the Olympics.
Canada will be playing in the Olympics after 2008 and Keegan, who has earned 83 caps so far, hopes they create a flutter there.
“At the Olympics, our aim is to get into the quarterfinals. And just like World League Round Three anything can happen in the quarterfinal. We beat New Zealand. We are hoping to enter the quarterfinal and snag a win there,” Keegan added. GURAV DAZZLES
Onkar Gurav’s knock of 153 helped National CC to a six wicket win over Greater Mumba Police in the third round of Police Shield on Sunday.
BRIEF SCORES