Meet Kishan Saggu, the 15-year-old South Asian sensation making waves on the ice! Drafted 233rd by the Wenatchee Wild of the Western Hockey League and playing against world-class teams, Kishan's career trajectory has been as high-octane as the game. In an exclusive interview with Darpan, the hockey rising star 'drops the puck' on things lesser known and unspoken, with his unwavering drive to maintain a dominant streak shining bright.
Breaking Barriers
Kishan's recent draft to the WHL and his participation against international elite teams, including Finland, Slovakia, Sweden, France, Czech Republic, and Norway, are significant achievements. "It's an honour. Anything's possible when you put your mind to it. It feels great to be the only minor to represent the South Asian community," Kishan proudly shares.
Kishan believes his South Asian heritage plays a crucial role in his approach to hockey. "I'm grounded by the strong aspects of religion and God, which positively affects my on-ice and off-ice performance," he says.
Facing Challenges
He reflects, "Struggles and challenges happen often in the sport, such as issues with teammates, experiences with coaches, bad games, and shifts. It's all part of becoming great, and everything happens for a reason."
I only ensure that my preparation for the intensity of matches is thorough. "I like to keep it loose, warm up my feet, hands, and muscles. I also visualize before games and stick to my routine," he explains. His training includes ice time, gym sessions, track work, stretching, mental training, and skills work at home.
Handling Pressure
Kishan thrives under pressure. "I always refer back to the fact that my teammates and I are here for a reason. He says that high-pressure situations are part of the game, and I learn from each opportunity to improve," he says.
Happy Moments
Kishan values his team immensely and exclaims that the last two seasons at Delta Hockey Academy have been a blast. One standout moment in Kishan's career was winning gold at the World Selects Invitational in Chamonix, France. "It was an unbelievable experience, playing on the world stage against top players. It greatly helped me improve into the player I am today," he recalls.
Future Aspirations
Kishan aims high for his future in hockey. "In the next year or two, I aim to play junior hockey, keep developing, and improve my craft. The ultimate goal is to play in the NHL," he
reveals.
Advice for Young Athletes
"Always believe in yourself and your abilities. Battling through adversity and failure is part of the process. Learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward. Don't ever forget why you started," Kishan concludes.