Malaysian rugby captain decides to stay put in Japan

PETALING JAYA: National rugby captain Dineshwaran Krishnan (pic) decided to stay put in Japan although his heart is in Malaysia.

Dineshwaran has been playing in Japan for the last six years and he was in the midst of playing for Hino Red Dolphins in Japan Top League when the league was halted due to Covid-19 pandemic.

He wanted to get home to be with his family but had to follow the containment guidelines set by the Japanese government.

Missing them: Dineshwaran (bottom) speaking to his family members via video call.

“I did not get back to Malaysia because I did not want to risk carrying the virus back home, ” said Dineshwaran.

The Japanese government led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has not imposed a lockdown even though the country has record 2,384 cases and 57 deaths.

The burly lock, nicknamed Dugro, said he keeps in touch with his family daily.

“My concern right now is for my family in Sungai Petani, Kedah. I’m fine in Japan, but I call and check on them every day, ” said the 31-year-old.

“The year 2020 has been hard on everyone, but I believe this season is an eye-opener for us... we should not take anything for granted.

In the 2019-2020 Top League, Dineshwaran has played four games and missed the last two due to suspension.

Out of six games, Hino only won one, when they beat Green Rockets 27-17, in which Dineshwaran scored a try.

“Last season, we survived the relegation playoffs and this season, we worked as a team to ensure that such a scenario does not happen again, but it has stopped after six games, ” he said.

“We have another nine matches to play in the regular season, but the JRFU (Japan Rugby Football Union) cancelled the season.

“It was tough to take, but I understand that the situation is out of our control. This situation has only made me stronger and I look forward to the new season.”