Dinesvaran game for the challenge after historic move to Chicago

PETALING JAYA: With great success, comes great responsibility.

That was K. Dinesvaran’s thought as he became the first Malaysian to compete in the United States’ Major League Rugby (MLR) after signing a one-year contract with the Chicago Hounds.

Chicago Hounds is a new club started by Matt Satchwell and Phil Groves last year.

The 34-year-old Dinesvaran, who is also known as Duke Krishnan, is ready to put in the hard work for his major challenge, which starts on Feb 17.

It has been two weeks since Dinesvaran left for Chicago and he admitted that it took him some time to adapt to the environment.

The Kedahan is overjoyed with his achievement but he also acknowledged that he now bears a great deal of responsibility.

“It has been two weeks since I reached Chicago and it’s snowing here,’’ he said.

“But luckily, my body is getting used to the cold weather.

“I think it is every athlete’s dream to make their home country proud.“I am very happy and proud of my achievements but it comes with a huge responsibility.

“Now, I need to stay focused and play well, so that our flag can fly high in America,” he said.

Dinesvaran started playing rugby in his teens and his sports career skyrocketed after he earned a call-up by Yamaha Jubilo, a club based in Shizuoka, Japan.

He became the second Malaysian, after Marc Le, to compete in an international rugby league when he participated in the Japan Top League heavyweight in 2015.

Rugby holds a special place in Dinesvaran’s heart that no other sport can ever replace.

Dinesvaran said he chose rugby because it is a high-standard sport and a gentleman’s game.

“Rugby is a very unique sport and it is known as a gentleman’s game.

“In my opinion, rugby has very high standards and most of the royal families will prefer rugby over other sports.

“I am not saying that other sports have no standards, but I do know that rugby has high standards,” explained Dinesvaran.

The MLR features 12 teams divided into two conferences, Eastern and Western Conference.

Chicago Hounds will join Dallas Jackals, Houston SaberCats, San Diego Legion, Seattle Seawolves and Utah Warriors to compete in the Western Conference.