Rayhaan Thokan, a talented young athlete from Parktown Boys’ High School, has been chosen to represent the South African U16B hockey team. This exciting news signifies a major milestone in Rayhaan’s emerging sports career and highlights his dedication and hard work.
When asked about his initial reaction to the selection, Rayhaan expressed his surprise. “I was pleasantly surprised at the great news as I did not expect to be selected,” he shared. “At first, it seemed surreal, but once the news sank in, I felt a sense of elation.” This achievement is a testament to his commitment to the sport and the continuous effort he has put in over the years.
Rayhaan’s passion for hockey goes beyond the game itself. He values the friendship and life lessons of being part of a team. “It’s about building friendships on the astro[turf], learning valuable lessons, and striving for success,” Rayhaan explained. As a goalkeeper, he embraces the challenges and fears of the role, which has helped shape his character. “Hockey has helped develop my overall character, and I have learned to be resilient and fearless in achieving one’s goals.”
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Reflecting on the most memorable moment in his hockey career so far, Rayhaan recounted the Founder’s first team 2024 tour. “Parktown played the top teams in the country, and all the pressure got to me as I was the youngest in the team. I needed to be on top form,” he recalled. Despite the challenges, Rayhaan persevered, delivering great saves and pushing himself to his limits. This experience boosted his confidence and reinforced his determination to keep pushing boundaries.
Rayhaan has valuable advice for younger players aspiring to achieve similar success in hockey. “Keep on working on areas that you struggle in. Have a positive mindset to boost your confidence,” he advised. “Also, always remember that mistakes will happen, and you can’t succeed if you haven’t failed. One must understand that nothing is impossible, as I only started playing hockey two years ago, so dream big and never stop believing in yourself.”
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Balancing academics and sports commitments can be challenging, but Rayhaan has found a system that works for him. He maintains a schedule that allocates time for both sports and academics, ensuring a balanced approach. “I make sure my homework and assignments are done before practices and games, because I always have no energy to do any homework after practice,” he shared.
Rayhaan Thokan’s journey to the South African U16B hockey team is an inspiring story of perseverance, passion, and the pursuit of excellence. As he continues to develop his skills and chase his dreams, there is no doubt that his future in hockey holds great promise.
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