Lalit Upadhyay’s journey in hockey is a testament to resilience and determination, rising from a challenging start in his career to achieving Olympic success. At just 17, Lalit faced a significant setback when he became an unwitting participant in a sting operation that nearly derailed his aspirations. A journalist, posing as an agent, implicated him in a scandal involving the Indian Hockey Federation, which left him shaken and contemplating quitting the sport.
Reflecting on that tumultuous time, Lalit shared, “For any young player with big dreams, such an experience can be devastating. It was a dream to represent India at the Olympics and win a medal.” However, he views that period as a blessing in disguise, stating that the adversity he faced ultimately made him mentally stronger.
Now at 30, Lalit has moved past that incident and is gearing up for his second Olympic appearance. As a key player in India’s bronze medal-winning team in Tokyo, he draws inspiration from wearing the national jersey. “It motivates me to achieve something special,” he said, looking ahead to the Paris Games starting July 26.
With a bronze from the Olympics and a gold from the Asian Games already under his belt, Lalit is determined to aim higher in Paris. He acknowledged the pressure that comes with their recent success but is confident that they can secure a different medal color this time around. “We know the expectations are high, but we are committed to changing the medal color,” he noted, having netted 45 goals in 168 international matches.
India’s preparation has been rigorous, focusing on fitness improvements over the past four years. “Our fitness levels are now on par with the top teams globally,” Lalit said, emphasizing the team’s readiness for the challenges ahead. They will face stiff competition in Pool B, which includes formidable teams like reigning champions Belgium, Australia, and Argentina.
Despite the tough competition, Lalit remains optimistic about India’s chances. “In modern hockey, the margins between teams are very slim. Every team is well-prepared,” he remarked. The team’s strategy focuses on creating scoring opportunities, especially through field goals and penalty corners, which are critical in today’s game.
The squad has retained 11 players from Tokyo, while five will be making their Olympic debuts. Lalit expressed confidence in the younger players, noting their experience in winning gold at the Asian Games and handling pressure. “We have built good coordination and mutual respect within the team, which is crucial for our success.”
The bond formed during their time together, especially during the pandemic at the SAI center in Bengaluru, has fortified their unity. “That experience helped us strengthen our team spirit and break through in Tokyo,” Lalit added.
Hailing from Varanasi, Lalit finds inspiration in his city’s rich hockey heritage, influenced by legends like the late Mohammed Shahid. “In Banaras, we believe everything starts and ends here. Sitting by the Ganges, we reflect on life’s journey and the importance of our shared dreams,” he concluded, looking forward to contributing to Indian hockey’s bright future.
