These young athletes have already showed their potential on the international stage, contributing to India’s recent successes. Here’s a look at some rising stars in the Indian hockey setup who are poised to play important roles in the coming years.
The future of Indian hockey looks promising with a new generation of talented players making their mark at both junior and senior levels.
These young athletes have already showed their potential on the international stage, contributing to India’s recent successes.
Here’s a look at some rising stars in the Indian hockey setup who are poised to play important roles in the coming years.
Amir Ali | Defender
Amir Ali, the captain of the Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team, is set to make his mark in the upcoming Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25.
Bagged by Team Gonasika for a remarkable INR 34 lakh at the HIL auction, Amir’s rise from humble beginnings to the top of Indian hockey is nothing short of inspirational.
Amir, who is a defender, recently led the Indian Team to a Junior Asia Cup title win and now he is excited to play in the upcoming Hockey India League while aiming to continue his winning momentum.
Amir also played for the senior Indian team that won gold at the 2024 Asian Champions Trophy.
Rohit | Defender
Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team defender Rohit is quickly becoming one of the star defenders in Indian hockey.
He was an integral part of the 2023 Junior Asia Cup title-winning team, and the Bronze medal-winning team at the Sultan of Johor Cup 2023 and 2024 as well.
Playing for Hockey Chandigarh, Rohit has gained valuable international display, including at the 2023 FIH Junior World Cup.
Ankit Pal | Midfielder
Ankit Pal’s rise in Indian hockey is an inspiring story of resilience.
At just 19, the midfielder has already represented India at the 2023 Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup, where he made a significant impact.
Known for his ability to transition seamlessly between defence and attack, Ankit is a player with a bright future.
Mukesh Toppo | Defender
Mukesh Toppo of Odisha is a standout defender in Indian hockey.
Representing the Punjab Hockey Club Academy, Mukesh has made significant contributions to the Indian junior men’s team.
His defensive skills were on full display during important tournaments like the Sultan of Johor Cup and the Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup.
Abhishek Nain | Forward
Olympic bronze medal-winning forward Abhishek Nain has quickly established himself as a key forward in the Indian men’s hockey team.
He made his international debut in 2022 and has since played a crucial role in India’s success at the 2022 Asian Games and Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
Having played 74 matches for India, Abhishek is no stranger to high-pressure situations.
Abhishek was the second-highest paid player in the revived Hockey India League auctions behind India captain Harmanpreet Singh (Rs 78 lakh), fetching Rs 72 lakh from Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers.
Vivek Sagar Prasad | Midfielder
Vivek Sagar Prasad from Bhopal is one of Indian hockey’s brightest stars.
At just 17, he became the second-youngest player to debut for India.
Since then, the creative playmaker has made over 100 international appearances for India.
He also led the Indian junior hockey team to a silver medal at the Youth Olympic Games 2018 in Buenos Aires.
In the same year, Vivek helped India win bronze at the Asian Games in Jakarta and silver at the Champions Trophy in the Netherlands.
The Indian hockey player was also declared the FIH Men's Rising Star of the Year in 2019.
Playing as a midfielder, Prasad was instrumental in India's bronze medal finish at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics.
He was named FIH Young Player of the Year in 2021.
In 2022, Vivek Sagar Prasad helped India win silver at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
In 2023, He was part of the Indian team that won gold medals at the Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai and the Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Sanjay Rana | Defender
The Indian Men's Hockey Team player Sanjay, who is a formidable defender and drag-flicker, made his olympic debut in Paris where the team clinched bronze.
Hailing from Haryana, Sanjay has already earned a reputation as one of India’s most dependable defenders.
He rose through the ranks at the Chandigarh Hockey Academy, making his international debut in 2019.
Sanjay made his senior team debut in June 2022 and quickly made an impact by helping India win the inaugural FIH Hockey5s.
He has also participated in major tournaments such as the 19th Asian Games 2022 in Hangzhou, China, and the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Chennai 2023, where the team clinched Gold medals.
His performance in the FIH Odisha Hockey Men's Junior World Cup Bhubaneswar 2021 earned India a 4th position, and he secured a silver medal in the 3rd Youth Olympic Games 2018.
Follow Us
/sportzpoint/media/media_files/2024/10/26/LDNU6eyxMqQZTUvORsL0.jpg)
