Playing major events helped me handle pressure, will be handy at Olympics: Nilakanta

Indian hockey team midfielder Nilakanta Sharma says the experience of playing in big-ticket events such as the 2018 World Cup has helped him understand his role in the team, which will be handy at next year's Olympics.

"I have been in the international circuit for around three years and have been very fortunate to be a part of big competitions such as the hockey men's world cup 2018 and FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2019," said Nilakanta.

"It's great to have so much experience under my belt, which will be a big bonus for a tournament like the Olympics next year. I have learned to stay calm and composed in pressure situations and have a great understanding of my role in the side."
"We understand each other's games which makes it easy for us to support each other. We have been communicating well for quite some time now and hopefully, we will be able to hit the right note as soon as we get back to practice and eventually on the field."