How Did Venkatesh Kenche Achieve Success on India 'A' Europe Tour?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Venkatesh Kenche showcases exceptional talent in hockey.
- The domestic circuit plays a crucial role in athlete development.
- Kenche's achievements reflect the support of family and dedication.
- The shift from domestic to international hockey brings new challenges.
- Team dynamics and support are essential for player confidence.
New Delhi, July 11 (NationPress) The India 'A' men's hockey team has kicked off their European tour with remarkable success, securing consecutive victories of 6-1 and 6-0 against Ireland. Among the shining stars is forward Venkatesh Kenche, a burgeoning talent renowned for his swift ball handling and aggressive playing style, who is eager to seize this incredible opportunity.
After participating in the Junior National Camp in 2016 and 2018, Kenche has made a triumphant return to the Indian squad. He attributes his recent success to his unwavering performance in the domestic circuit.
"I have been training and practicing very hard. It has been my goal to play for India," he stated. "I focused a lot on my basics and fitness, which has greatly enhanced my game. The domestic circuit is fiercely competitive, with numerous strong teams pushing us all to improve."
Kenche was instrumental in Hockey Maharashtra's bronze medal win at the National Games and their quarter-final finish at the Senior National Championship.
About his debut for India 'A', an emotional Kenche expressed, "It’s a dream come true to represent India. I feel immense pride, and so does my family. They have always supported and encouraged me without adding any pressure. I am truly grateful to them."
When discussing the differences between domestic and international hockey, Kenche recognized the change in pace and tactical sophistication.
"The game plan is distinctly different here, and the intensity is significantly higher," he elaborated. "The coaches emphasize detailed planning, and it’s essential to pay close attention to perform effectively."
Wearing the India jersey for the first time, the 24-year-old admitted to feeling a bit anxious at first. "Initially, I was nervous, but I quickly settled in, began to feel comfortable, and now I believe I truly belong here. The team is incredibly supportive, and we avoid singling out players for errors, which has really enhanced my confidence."
Kenche is also conscious of the skills he wishes to refine. "I believe my speed with the ball is a significant strength - it comes naturally to me, but I’ve also dedicated time to improve it," he remarked. "Moving forward, I aspire to enhance my goal-scoring capabilities."
Looking into the future, he expressed hopefulness about the team's momentum. "The team is performing well, and we are all optimistic that the tour will be successful."
Next up, India 'A' and Venkatesh Kenche will take on France on Saturday.