New Delhi :
Hockey is not just a sport for these players as it runs in their blood and is a part of their family. The Thimmaiah brothers – Nithin and Nikkin, who have been playing hockey together since their childhood and are currently representing Uttar Pradesh Wizards in the Hero Hockey India League. As hardly a month left the 3rd edition of the Hero HIL, both Nithin and Nikkin are practising dutifully to bring more success for their team in the prestigious hockey league.
Nithin and Nikkkin both play at the forward position and are vital assets for the Lucknow-based franchisee. In the previous two seasons, they played key roles in the team’s success and contested hard to maintain Uttar Pradesh Wizards’ position at the respected third place in the points table. Elder brother Nithin alongwith playing the role of a senior player in the team, he also acts as a coach and a good guardian for his younger brother Nikkin. Both the siblings have gelled-well in this franchisee based out of Lucknow and their bonding in the forward line proves to be a huge boost for their team.
Speaking on his younger brother Nithin Thimmaiah said, “We have been playing together for many years. It is not just a sport for us, it is also a common topic for our discussions making it an integral part of our lives. It’s good for us that we are playing together in the same team. Nikkin is a very talented player and has a bright future ahead. He has international experience and this is helping him to compete with the best players in the League. UP Wizards is doing very well in the league and we have maintained a solid position in the league table. We are among the top contenders of the League in this edition; our aim is to win the title.”
Speaking on his elder brother Nithin, Nikkin Thimmaiah stated, “It’s a good experience to play and support my brother at the forward line as well as playing with other top players in the Hero HIL. His presence in the team is very motivating for me as I have been following his game since childhood. Whether we win matches or lose during the HHIL, we express ourselves and motivate each other. We have made plans for this year’s HHIL also, aiming to finish at the top. We are practicing hard and in touch with other players and coaches to improve our game on a daily basis and learn as much as we can before the start of the League. This year our aim is to perform even better than the previous editions and look forward to lift the title of the HHIL 2015.”
The 3rd edition of the Hero Hockey India League will start from the 22nd January 2014 and Uttar Pradesh Warriors will play their first match on 23rd January against defending champions Delhi Waveriders in Lucknow. The opening day of the League will witness Kalinga Lancers taking on Ranchi Rays in Bhubaneswar.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Sports> Hockey> Hockey India League / TNN / December 23rd, 2014
