‘Valencia win a major confidence boost’

Bengaluru: Drag-flicker Varun Kumar, who put in a scintillating performance at the four-nation tournament in Valencia last month, was a picture of concentration as he spoke about the preparation for the upcoming Junior World Cup and the mood in the camp.

Hailing from Mithapur in Jalandhar, Varun comes across as a gruff-looking muscled bloke at first glance but there is an air of quiet confidence around him that exudes intensity.

Son of a truck driver father, Varun, who is from the famed Surjit Singh Academy, has come a long way to reach the India junior team. As arduous as the journey has been, there is an equal amount of pride brimming inside the youngster at what he has achieved.

“The victory in the finals of the Valencia tournament was a major confidence- booster,” Varun said. “We had to increase our confidence levels after the loss against Belgium but the team did extremely well to put up a disciplined performance from there on.”

Varun scored the most goals in that tournament.

“My game too has improved after travelling around the world and people respect me for what I have done so far.

“It is a feel-good factor because my parents also have been recognised and respected back home,” he said on his learning curve and experience with the junior team over the past two years.

To Varun, the secret of winning is simple: “Each one has to play to his strengths and take up their responsibilities,” he pointed out. “This World Cup is important for us. It also means we have to perform and come back with the Cup. We have a strong and talented squad.

“With Harmanpreet and Harjeet having played with the seniors, their experience will be of tremendous help.”

And what do they do off the field to de-stress and relax? Music!

“We listen to music most of the times, and Parvinder is the best dancer. Me… I am the worst,” he signed off with a smile.