As the Hockey India League (HIL) makes its much-anticipated return, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, a forward for the UP Rudras and a two-time Olympic bronze medallist, has expressed his belief that the league will continue to drive Indian hockey to new heights.
Reflecting on his own career, Lalit credited the HIL for providing him with a platform to showcase his talents and secure a place on the national team.
Lalit’s journey with the league began in 2013, when he joined the Kalinga Lancers. At that time, the HIL provided a massive opportunity for Indian players, offering them a chance to prove themselves on a grand stage.
“When the league was introduced, it was a huge platform for Indian players. It gave us the opportunity to showcase our talent and directly make it to the squad,” Lalit explained. The league played a crucial role in not only enhancing players’ visibility but also in elevating the sport’s profile within the country.
Over the years, Lalit has seen firsthand how the league has helped players grow professionally and financially. He pointed out the immense value of playing alongside international hockey legends, something that he had only previously seen on TV.
“It gave us the experience of playing with legends. Sharing the field with such icons boosted our confidence and made us more comfortable in competitive scenarios,” he said. Lalit believes that the league’s return will only help India’s hockey prospects, driving the national team towards even greater success. “India’s performance graph went up after the first HIL, and with the league returning now, I am sure it will take us to the top and help us stay there,” he added.
Lalit’s rise to prominence in Indian hockey owes much to his time in the HIL. His performances with the Kalinga Lancers allowed him to showcase his skills on an international stage, eventually earning him a spot in the Indian Men’s Hockey Team.
Lalit shared his most cherished moments from his HIL career, starting with his memorable goal in 2013 against the UP team. “I was out of the Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team for the Junior World Cup in 2013, but as a Kalinga Lancer, I scored one of my best goals against the UP team. It was one of the best goals of the season and a key reason why I was selected for the Indian team at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014,” he recalled.
Another standout memory for Lalit came in the 2017 season, when he scored crucial goals to help the Kalinga Lancers secure the title. In the semi-final against the UP Wizards, Lalit’s goal against PR Sreejesh, one of India’s most revered goalkeepers, was a key moment.
“We had several close games, many going down to penalty shootouts. In the semi-final match against the UP Wizards, I bypassed the Great Wall of Indian Hockey, PR Sreejesh, to score a crucial goal,” Lalit remembered.
However, the most significant moment of his career came when the Kalinga Lancers decided to retain him, trusting him to lead their attack. Lalit described this trust as a pivotal moment in his career.
“My best moment was when the Kalinga Lancers decided to retain me and showed faith in me to lead the line as a young forward. That trust was reassuring and built the confidence I carry to this day,” he shared.
With the return of the HIL, Lalit is joined by fellow Olympic bronze medallists Hardik Singh and Simranjeet Singh, as well as international stars such as Lars Balk, Floris Wortelboer, and Sam Ward in the UP Rudras. Together, they aim to not only entertain fans in Rourkela, Odisha, but also to inspire and mentor the next generation of Indian hockey players.
Looking ahead to the season, Lalit expressed his optimism about the team’s dynamics and the role of franchise support. He acknowledged the challenges of adjusting to a new team but remains confident that the team’s chemistry will develop as the tournament progresses.
“With a new team, it takes time to adjust, but as tournaments progress, bonding improves naturally. The franchise has been incredibly supportive, and the coaching staff’s expertise is invaluable in guiding us to perform at our best,” he concluded.
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