Raj Kumar Pal’s Olympic bronze medal has brought immense joy and recognition to his humble village of Karampur in Uttar Pradesh. The 26-year-old hockey player’s journey to the podium has been marked by adversity, determination, and the unwavering support of his family and mentors.
Growing up in a mud house, Raj Kumar’s family faced financial hardship after his father’s untimely demise. Hockey, which had been a passion for the three brothers, took a backseat as they struggled to make ends meet. However, Raj Kumar’s talent and dedication caught the attention of Tej Bahadur Singh, owner of the Karampur hockey academy.
Tej Bahadur provided financial support to the Pal family for two years, enabling Raj Kumar to pursue his hockey dreams. With the support of his brothers, who secured jobs in the Army and Railways, Raj Kumar was able to focus solely on his game.
In 2012, Raj Kumar was selected for the Sports Authority of India’s Regional Centre in Lucknow. His impressive performances in domestic tournaments caught the eye of former Hockey India high performance director David John, who selected him for the senior national development camp in 2017.
Despite not making the Tokyo Olympics squad, Raj Kumar remained determined to improve his game. He identified his weaknesses and worked tirelessly to address them. His efforts paid off when he was selected for the Paris Olympics over more experienced seniors.
In Paris, Raj Kumar played a crucial role in India’s bronze medal victory. His attacking instincts, fitness, and stick work earned him a place in the starting lineup alongside Shamsher Singh and Gurjant Singh. He was particularly impressive in the quarter-final against Great Britain, scoring the winning goal in the shootout.
Raj Kumar’s Olympic medal is a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and the support of his family and mentors. It is a source of pride for his village and an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the country.
