Lalit Kumar Predicts HIL Will Propel Indian Hockey to New Heights

Rourkela, Dec 25 (NationPress) With the excitement surrounding the comeback of the Hockey India League (HIL), Lalit Kumar Upadhyay of the UP Rudras, a veteran forward of the national squad and a two-time Olympic Bronze medalist, attributes his early career development and the chance to secure a place on the national team to the HIL.

"The inception of this league provided a substantial platform for Indian athletes. It allowed us to exhibit our skills and directly aim for the national squad," Lalit noted.

He emphasized the financial and professional backing the league has supplied, recognizing its crucial role in enhancing the sport's visibility. "It gave us the opportunity to play alongside legends we had only admired from afar. Competing with such icons significantly bolstered our confidence and made us more adept in high-pressure situations. Following the inaugural HIL, India's performance trajectory improved, and with the league's return, I am confident it will elevate us to the top and help us maintain that position," he stated.

Lalit's association with the Kalinga Lancers commenced in 2013 during the earlier edition of the HIL. This platform enabled him to display his talents on an international platform and paved his way to the Indian Men’s Hockey Team.

Reflecting on his experiences in the league, Lalit shared his three most treasured HIL highlights: "I was not part of the Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team for the Junior World Cup in 2013, but as a Kalinga Lancer, I achieved one of my finest goals against the UP team. It was one of the season's standout goals and was a key factor in my selection for the Indian team at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014," he recounted.

"My second favorite memory comes from the 2017 season. Once again with the Kalinga Lancers, I scored significant goals that contributed to our title victory. We faced several closely contested matches, many decided by penalty shootouts. In the semi-final against the UP Wizards, I managed to bypass the Great Wall of Indian Hockey, PR Sreejesh, to net a pivotal goal."

"However, my most cherished moment was when the Kalinga Lancers chose to retain me, placing their trust in me to lead the attack as a young forward. That faith was immensely encouraging and has instilled the confidence I carry today," the 31-year-old shared.

As the HIL makes its return, Lalit is joined by fellow Olympic bronze medallists Hardik Singh and Simranjeet Singh, along with international stars such as Lars Balk, Floris Wortelboer, and Sam Ward in the UP Rudras. Their collective aim is to mentor and support the next generation of Indian hockey players while delivering an impressive performance for fans in Rourkela, Odisha.

Looking forward to the upcoming season, Lalit expressed his optimism regarding team dynamics and the influence of franchise support. "With a new team, it requires time to adjust, but as the tournament progresses, camaraderie develops naturally. The franchise has shown tremendous support, and the coaching staff's expertise is invaluable in steering us towards peak performance," he concluded.