UP Hockey Resurgence: Legacy, Passion, and Opportunity
Uttar Pradesh, the land of nawabs, kebabs, and poets, has a rich hockey heritage that has produced legendary players like Dhyan Chand, Mohammed Shahid, and KD Singh ‘Babu’. However, after India’s eighth Olympic gold in 1980, UP hockey declined, and its glory days faded into nostalgia.
In recent years, UP hockey has witnessed a resurgence, with players like Lalit Kumar Upadhyay and Raj Kumar Pal playing key roles in India’s bronze medal wins at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and 2024 Paris Olympics. The revival of the Hockey India League (HIL) has also provided a boost to the sport in the state, with several UP players being bought by various franchises.
The strong hockey culture in UP is driven by the legacy of legendary players and the passion of young players who dream of emulating their heroes. The state has a robust coaching system, with former Olympians and World Cuppers providing training to youngsters at hockey hostels and sports colleges.
The success of UP players in recent years has inspired a new generation of hockey enthusiasts in the state. Four players from UP were part of the winning Indian side at the Asian Champions Trophy, while five juniors recently made it to the Indian squad for the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia.
UP’s chief coach, Rajneesh Mishra, believes that the state has a strong system of selection and that performance is the only criterion for selection. He is committed to grooming young players for national and international challenges.
The revival of UP hockey is a testament to the state’s rich hockey heritage and the passion of its players. With the support of the Hockey India League and the state government, UP hockey is poised to continue its resurgence and produce more world-class players in the years to come.
