From the waiting bench to the watchtower of Indian hockey, the Suraj Karkera story

A tattoo etched on his torso reads: “For those I love, I will sacrifice.” A single glance at Suraj Karkera’s career shows this is more than a motto. It is the very essence of the national hockey goalkeeper. After eight years of battling on the fringes, he has finally secured his place in the Indian men’s team — a testament to his tenacity and the sacrifices that defined his journey.

It has not been easy for the 29-year-old. Despite being part of the core group for much of the past decade, he was third in line behind the legendary P. R. Sreejesh and Krishan Pathak. With only two goalkeeper spots in an 18-member international squad — and just one at the Olympics — Karkera was often sidelined during major tournaments. His rare opportunities came only when Sreejesh was injured or rested.

“The waiting period has been hard,” Karkera tells  Sportstar. “Not being able to play, when all I’ve ever dreamt of is playing for my country and winning medals. It really puts your character to the test. You find out what you’re made of when things aren’t going your way. These are testing times, and you have to rely on patience and resilience to get through them.”

When Sreejesh retired after the Paris Olympics, most assumed Pathak would inherit the mantle. Instead, it was Karkera who seized the moment, rising to prominence during the 2024–25 FIH Pro League.

On a disappointing European tour where India managed just one win in eight matches, his performances stood out. Questions lingered over the goalkeeping unit’s handling of aerial balls, but the Mumbai-born custodian was among the few bright spots. Now, as he prepares for the Hockey Asia Cup in Rajgir, he is focused on the future.

“There are no grey areas; it is either black or white. Hockey is a result-oriented game, and we fell short. Yes, we are aware of our mistakes, and we are working hard to improve,” he says.

Goalkeeper rivalries: A myth?

For many, goalkeeping is seen as a cutthroat rivalry, with teammates fighting for the coveted top spot. Karkera insists the reality is different. He describes the unit, now comprising Pathak, Pawan Malik, and himself, as a close-knit group built on camaraderie and healthy competition.

“From outside it may look different, but from where we are, it [competition for the place] is what makes us so strong,” he explains. “We push each other to become better, which ultimately makes the team stronger.”

In modern hockey, he points out, a goalkeeper’s role extends far beyond stopping shots. Agility, quick decision-making, and penalty corner defence are crucial. With shootouts now common, adaptability is vital.

For Karkera, the goalkeeper is more than a last line of defence. Positioned to see the entire field, he becomes the conductor of the defensive orchestra, directing play and organising during counterattacks. As he puts it, “the priority is always clear: control the defence, control the game.”

Finding inspirations and influences

Ironically, his path to hockey began not with the stick and ball but with the imposing gear of a goalkeeper. At his school, Children’s Academy in Malad, he was drawn to the pads rather than the field players’ flair. The fascination quickly turned into commitment, nurtured by legendary Mumbai coach Merzban ‘Bawa’ Patel and shaped further by former India goalkeeper Dipika Murthy.

But Karkera’s identity extends beyond sport. A Naib Subedar with the Bombay Sappers, he carries as much pride in protecting the nation as in defending the goal. Military life sharpened his discipline and outlook.

His inspirations come from military biographies. A chance reading of 1971 war hero (Retd) Major General Ian Cardozo’s memoir left a deep impression, prompting him to seek out the veteran in person. “I mostly read military biographies. I try to understand how they coped with pressure situations. I’m also very inspired by the tales of Field Marshal William Slim.”

The time is now

Since his senior debut in 2017 against Belgium, Karkera has made just 39 appearances in seven years. Yet, he made those count, including a ‘goalkeeper of the tournament’ award at the 2021 Asian Champions Trophy.

Now, with experience and a fresh opportunity, he has become indispensable, featuring in every match since India’s bronze medal playoff at the Paris Games. With the 2026 World Cup, Asian Games, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon, Karkera is determined to make up for lost time.

Rapid Fire With Suraj

If you weren’t a hockey player, what would you be?

I’m in the Army, so a soldier.

Last movie you watched?

The Accountant.

One rule change you want in Hockey?

Have a particular rule about the aerial balls.

If you could get a superpower for a day, what would it be? And what would you do with it?

I would like to watch the Olympic final and play in that.

What is your favourite cheat meal?

Donne Biryani.

Who is your favourite music artist, and which song from them do you love the most?

Piyush Mishra. Aarambh (song title)

Get an outright win in regulation time or a win through a penalty shootout?

Shootout.

If you were stuck on an island, which teammate do you think has the best survival skills to get you out?

Nilakanta Sharma because he’s a good cook.

World ends tomorrow, what are you doing today?

Call my family members.

Who’s the GOAT of hockey?

Dhanraj Pillay. He’s the one who has put Indian hockey on the map.

Best player you have played with or against?

Tobias Hauke of Germany.

Published on Aug 28, 2025