Mumbai Mumbai. Former Indian men's hockey team star Affan Yusuf has been waiting for his chance since 2017 to prove himself and make a comeback into the national team. Despite his tireless efforts in the domestic circuit, success eluded him. However, with the return of the Hockey India League (HIL) after a gap of seven years, Afan is seeing a ray of hope for a comeback. Afan made his name in the previous editions of the HIL, starting with Jaypee Punjab Warriors in 2015. Ki and shone for Dabang Mumbai in 2016 and 2017. However, later the same year, he played his last match for the Indian men's hockey team in the 2017 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, which coincided with the temporary halt of the HIL.
When asked how he remained motivated even after being dropped from the national team, Affan said, “It was my own dedication; I was not satisfied with just wearing the Indian jersey and getting the job. I worked hard till the last day.” My Indian Oil team coach Deepak Thakur and manager Devesh Chauhan also motivated me to keep myself ready to make a comeback and show everyone that I am still alive when the time comes.” In September this year, playing for his employers in the fourth Hockey India Senior Men's Inter-Departmental National Championship 2024, Affan scored three goals in seven matches as his team – Petroleum Sports Promotion Board – lifted the trophy.
This performance boosted his confidence about being selected during the HIL auction in October. Affan said, “I always kept playing domestic hockey to keep my game better. There was constant speculation that HIL would make a comeback. So, myself, Talwinder and Devendra Valmiki – some of the players who were part of the Indian team earlier We had it in our mind that if such an opportunity comes, we should be ready for it.” During the auction, Affan felt a mixture of hope and doubt. “I was hopeful that teams would pick me based on my performance in the senior nationals and previous tournaments. But when the auction was going on, some players whom I thought would definitely be picked went unsold and that I doubted whether any team would bid for me. My heart skipped a beat when my name was called, but thankfully I felt a wave of relief when the bidding started,” he revealed.
Srachchi Raad Bengal Tigers bought the talented midfielder from Bhopal for Rs 11.5 lakh on the second day of the HIL auction. He will now play alongside renowned hockey personalities like Abhishek, Sukhjit Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh, Jugraj Singh, Florent van Aubel and Sam Lane. “I am very excited to play with the forwards of my team; in my opinion they are the best in the league. We have strong Indian forwards who have returned from the Olympics and some world famous names like Florent van Aubel and Sam Lane, it is a great opportunity for me. These players know how to create space for themselves, take defenders into dangerous pockets and receive the ball under pressure,” Affan said, expressing his joy in working with these boys. “And it would be a great feeling to raise some support.”
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