Goalkeeper Pathak Aims to Leverage HIL for Olympic and World Cup Success

Mumbai, Dec 27 (NationPress) As he prepares for the Hockey India League (HIL) kicking off in Rourkela this Saturday, India's international goalkeeper Krishan Pathak has a clear goal— to position himself as the finest goalkeeper in India and to make his mark at the Olympics.

Having been part of the Indian men's hockey team for approximately 6-7 years alongside PR Sreejesh, Pathak has one lingering regret—he missed out on the last two Olympic Games, during which India secured back-to-back bronze medals.

For the Olympics, the squad is limited to 16 players, typically with just one goalkeeper. In both the Tokyo Games in 2021 and the upcoming Paris Olympics in 2024, Pathak was overshadowed by the seasoned Sreejesh, serving as a standby or reserve goalkeeper, thus missing the opportunity to claim medals.

With Sreejesh now retired, Pathak assumes the role of the senior goalkeeper in the team, which many fans believe makes him a likely candidate for the 2028 Olympic Games.

However, Pathak refuses to become complacent, acknowledging the fierce competition for the goalkeeper position. He emphasizes the need for rigorous effort to secure his place on the Olympic team.

"You cannot assume you will definitely play in the Olympics; you have to earn it. You must prove yourself worthy to be included in the team. The competition at the Olympics is so intense that you must arrive as the best, the top goalkeeper globally. Yes, we aspire for gold in the upcoming Olympics, and I believe we are here to achieve that," Pathak stated in an exclusive interview with IANS.

"For me personally, hard work is essential. I must prepare thoroughly. You cannot merely start thinking you will succeed; determination must translate into performance and consistency in your game. I believe future proof lies in demonstrating it on the field," he added.

Pathak enters HIL after a successful 2024, having received the Arjuna Award, and is one of the players returning from the previous edition of the Hockey India League. He is eagerly anticipating the tournament kickoff on Saturday, which features a match between Delhi SG Pipers and Gonasika at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela.

Pathak believes his prior experience in HIL will facilitate his integration with international teammates as he competes for Kalinga Lancers.

"This experience will be invaluable. I consider myself fortunate to have played for Dabang Mumbai for two years before the break. During the 2017 season, we reached the finals, although I had limited opportunities, appearing in only three or four matches," he shared.

"This season, I will represent the Kalinga team, cherishing great memories from that period and holding aspirations for future play. I am thrilled for this new opportunity in HIL, being part of a strong team," Pathak remarked.

Pathak emerged as one of the top selections in the HIL auction, being acquired by Kalinga Lancers for Rs 32 lakh. He remains grounded, focusing on his immediate goals.

"My aim is to avoid looking too far ahead. I prefer to take things one step at a time. I wish to tackle challenges as they arise, continuously improving myself through the process. You cannot leap for achievements all at once. I intend to concentrate on upcoming tournaments individually, leaving the future beyond my control. Yes, 2024 was an incredibly successful year, and receiving the Arjuna Award was a significant honor, a moment of pride for both me and my family," he concluded.

Pathak has secured a gold medal at the Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2023, along with silver medals at the Champions Trophy (2018) and Commonwealth Games (2022), three gold medals in the Asian Champions Trophy, and a gold in the Junior World Cup (2016).

Winning medals at the Olympics and the World Cup will complete a full medal set for India's leading goalkeeper.