CHENNAI: Throughout the Asian Champions Trophy match against Korea here on Friday, a member of the Pakistan support-staff, donning a dark green jersey that was different to the traditional colours, was on the edge of his seat.
It was the team's latest entrant - sports physiotherapist Rajakamal. The Chennai-based Rajakamal, who ha s eight years of experience in his kitty, joined Pakistan just before the event after the side travelled across the border without a physiotherapist.
"I was informed two days before the team's first match (against Malaysia on Thursday). My role is to ensure that the players remain injury-free and safe for the whole tournament," said Rajakamal after Pakistan's 1-1 draw against Korea.
"In hockey, the intensity is high. The possibility of having condition injuries is high; there could be fractures and dislocations. There will be collision injuries as well," added Rajakamal.
Rajakamal is drawing on his experience of working with the Tamil Nadu hockey team, TNCA first-division cricket sides and TNPL franchise Nellai Royal Kings. "I had a lot of work as there could be seven matches in 10 days. The work procedure is long. I feel comfortable in this environment, thanks to the players and staff. It is all good here."
Asked how he landed the job, Rajakamal replied: "Pakistan had planned to recruit someone for this tournament. They had checked with the Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu about the availability of physiotherapists. The federation (HUTN) referred my name, keeping in mind what I had done in the past. I was then invited for a formal interview."
The question of where his loyalties would lie during the India-Pakistan match naturally popped up towards the end of the brief interaction. "I am an Indian, but I will stay professional. I will focus on the job at hand," said Rajakamal.
