Talem Priyobarta: HIL Will Elevate My Game Understanding, Says Junior Asia Cup Champion
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New Delhi, Dec 28 (NationPress) Indian men's junior hockey team defender Talem Priyobarta is thrilled to embark on his senior career with the UP Rudras franchise in the Hockey India League (HIL) after clinching the Men's Junior Asian Cup in Muscat, Oman earlier this month.
At just 20 years old, he is eager to play alongside renowned Indian and international players during the HIL, which is set to kick off on Saturday in Rourkela. He was signed by the Lucknow-based team during the HIL auctions in October.
"I am incredibly happy and excited to be part of the UP Rudras team. This opportunity allows players to compete alongside some of the best talent from around the globe and India. This tournament is a chance for me to learn from the top players and will significantly enhance my understanding of the game. I am eagerly anticipating the tournament," Priyobarta expressed to IANS before the tournament's start.
Reflecting on his experience at the Junior Asia Cup, where India triumphed over arch-rivals Pakistan in the final to secure the trophy, the defender shared that he learned how to handle pressure and maintain discipline throughout the tournament.
"Winning a gold medal for India was a fantastic experience. The finals are always challenging. I learned how to perform under team pressure. After our victory against Pakistan, we were filled with excitement and celebrated our success," the young athlete recounted.
"I learned several important lessons from this cup, particularly about humanity, discipline, and respect. However, the process of learning is ongoing; the more you play, the more you grow. We must keep our focus on achieving our goals without succumbing to pressure," he added.
When discussing the challenges he faced early in his career, Priyobarta expressed gratitude to his parents for their unwavering support and encouragement in his hockey journey.
"Since childhood, I have aspired to play hockey. I dedicated myself to practice diligently to reach this point. My parents have been my greatest support system. Currently, my focus is on enhancing my skills and techniques," the UP Rudras defender stated.
The player from Manipur shared that the ongoing turmoil in his home state has made it challenging to concentrate on his training, and he hopes for peace and trust to be restored among communities in the northeastern region.
"It has been emotionally taxing to concentrate on my practice due to the unrest in Manipur. Nevertheless, I have resolved to give my utmost effort to not only make Manipur proud but also represent India positively. I believe we should stay committed to our goals and that mutual trust is crucial to overcoming challenges," Priyobarta concluded.
The UP Rudras team also includes Priyobarta's junior teammate Gurjot Singh, along with prominent figures in Indian and international hockey, such as Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Simranjeet Singh, Lars Balk, and Kane Russel.
Led by Hardik Singh, the UP Rudras will start their HIL journey against the Kalinga Lancers in Rourkela on December 30.
