From being a hapless sufferer of a sting operation initially of his profession to turning into an Olympic medallist, Indian males’s hockey staff striker Lalit Upadhyay has labored onerous to rebuild his profession and considers all of the setbacks as blessings in disguise. On the the age of 17 in 2008, Lalit’s fledging profession got here to a sudden halt when he was embroiled in an pointless scandal for no fault of his. Posing as an agent, a reporter from a TV channel provided then Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) secretary Ok Jothikumaran a sponsorship deal provided that a participant of their selection was taken into the Indian staff, and Lalit’s title was taken as a bait.
Lalit was unaware of such a ‘deal’ and shaken by the incident, he nearly give up hockey.
“If this occurs to any boy who’s immature and has come into the staff with massive desires, he could be shattered. We had solely heard about India successful eight Olympic medals however had not seen it occur in entrance of us. It was a dream to play within the Olympics and win a medal,” Lalit instructed PTI Bhasha.
“However in a approach it was a blessing in disguise for me. Once I confronted all this at first, I turned mentally stronger. Though I’ve forgotten that incident, every time I bear in mind it, I really feel stronger.
“Now the circumstances have modified loads, social media has additionally come, so it is not going to occur with anybody. I take into account myself fortunate that I’ve left that behind and now going to play within the Olympics for the second time. At any time when I put on this jersey, I get impressed to do one thing particular,” mentioned the 30-year-old ahead, who was a significant member of India’s bronze medal-winning aspect in Tokyo.
An Olympic bronze and Asian Video games gold already in his kitty, Lalit is now targeted on altering the color of the medal in Paris Video games, beginning July 26.
“We all know that expectations are excessive as a result of we gained an Olympic medal after a very long time in Tokyo. We’re assured that the color of the medal can be modified,” mentioned Lalit, who has scored 45 objectives in 168 worldwide appearances.
“We’ve labored onerous on health within the final 4 years, which is seen on the sphere. In health, we’re at par with the highest groups on the earth. The health stage of seniors together with younger gamers have improved tremendously.” However it will not be straightforward in Paris as India are positioned in a troublesome Pool B alongside aspect New Zealand, reigning champions Belgium, mighty Australia, Argentina and Eire.
India will open their marketing campaign towards New Zealand on July 27.
“It is irrelevant to give attention to the pool as a result of all groups include full preparation to present their greatest. We’ll give attention to one match at a time and attempt to give our greatest in each match,” mentioned Lalit.
Lalit is optimistic about India’s possibilities, saying in modern-day hockey the hole may be very slender between high groups of the world.
“Hockey is at all times altering and all of the groups preserve updating themselves. Our coaching program can be ready holding this in thoughts. We just lately performed the FIH Professional League and we apply holding in thoughts high groups like Australia, Germany and Belgium,” he mentioned.
“This time there have been plenty of area objectives within the Professional League and the main target is on creating alternatives contained in the D. As forwards, we attempt to rating area objectives or produce penalty corners which is essential in trendy hockey,” added Lalit.
India have retained 11 gamers from Tokyo whereas 5 will make their Olympic debut in Paris. “These boys (younger gamers) have gained gold medal within the Asian Video games and overcame the strain to qualify for the Olympics, so they’re able to dealing with strain. We’ve been enjoying with them for a very long time and the coordination is sweet. We preserve speaking to one another and share our experiences,” mentioned Lalit, who hails from Varanasi.
Lalit described mutual respect, bonding and unity as main strengths of the present staff.
“Throughout COVID all of us stayed collectively for a very long time on the SAI centre in Bengaluru, which gave us extra alternatives to get to know one another. This strengthened the staff bonding and helped us immensely to present Indian hockey a brand new lease of life by breaking the jinx in Tokyo.” The traditional metropolis of Varanasi has given Indian hockey legends like late Mohammed Shahid, who has an indelible impression on Lalit’s life and profession.
“There’s a saying in our Banaras (Varanasi) that the whole lot begins from right here and ends right here. After we additionally sit on the banks of Ganga, at one aspect there may be Dashashwamedh Ghat (Ganga arti ghat) and on the opposite aspect there may be Manikarnika Ghat (cremation ghat). We pray at one ghat and on the opposite one we pray for peace of departing souls,” he mentioned.
“That is why I’m happy with no matter God has given me. I simply hope this legacy of hockey stays intact and the flag of Indian hockey retains flying excessive.”
(Aside from the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV workers and is revealed from a syndicated feed.)
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