17 october 2024 : Uttar Pradesh has long been the cradle of Indian hockey, producing legends like Dhyan Chand, Mohammed Shahid, and KD Singh ‘Babu’. Known for their flair and skill, players from this region significantly contributed to India’s Olympic successes. However, after India’s eighth Olympic gold in 1980, the glory days of UP hockey faded, leading to a long drought until the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where Varanasi’s Lalit Kumar Upadhyay played a key role in securing a bronze.
This year in Paris, India achieved another bronze, with Upadhyay’s teammate from Karampur Hockey Academy, Raj Kumar Pal, making headlines by scoring the winning goal against Great Britain in the quarterfinals. Upadhyay expressed the deep-rooted passion for hockey in UP, stating, “Hockey runs in our veins… It’s not a mere sport but a heritage for all of us.”
The revival of the Hockey India League (HIL) after a seven-year break has brought financial opportunities for players. Upadhyay was bought for ₹28 lakhs by the UP Rudras, while Pal fetched ₹40 lakhs with other UP players also securing lucrative deals.
The accessibility of hockey, which requires less financial investment compared to other sports, along with a strong local culture, has inspired many from humble backgrounds to excel. Recently, UP players contributed to India’s success at the Asian Champions Trophy, and the state won the 14th Sub-Junior Championship.
UP Hockey’s secretary, RP Singh, emphasized a merit-based selection process that focuses solely on performance, ensuring talented players are recognized. UP’s chief coach, Rajneesh Mishra, highlighted the growing enthusiasm for hockey among the youth, particularly following India’s recent Olympic successes.
The establishment of a robust coaching system, with several former Olympians now training young athletes for monthly salaries, is positively impacting the sport’s development in UP. The Hockey India League has also become a significant incentive for aspiring players, fostering a new generation of talent eager to make their mark in the sport.
