An international level hockey player who at the age of 23 has made India proud by representing his country at the Asians Trophy, Champions Trophy, Hockey world Cup, etc. Lalit Upadhyay, former student of Udai Pratap College, Varanasi, gives us a glimpse about how he started his journey. His desire of getting a job drove him to choose the career path of his life. Lalit’s hardwork and dedication towards his goal has proved that anything and everything can be accomplished if one has the zest to do so. Here goes and interview with Mr. Lalit Upadhyay an international level hockey player who achieved everything by following his dreams.
Q) When was the time you decided to take hockey as a career?
A) I was in class six and used to watch my elder brother because he is also a hockey player. Due to injuries he quit playing but he got a job through playing hockey. Since I was not inclined much towards studies I too decided to take hockey as a career.
Q) What was the driving force behind hockey during all these years?
A) Since I belong to a middle class family, all I wanted to do was job to earn an independent living. So, I just worked harder and harder to get a job through hockey and that diligence eventually got me selected to an Indian Hockey Team which otherwise was never in my mind.
Q) Who is your inspiration through which you got an impetus to give such magnificent performances in your tournaments?
A) My inspiration is my elder brother Amit Upadhyay and my coach Mr. Parmanand Mishra who helped and supported me throughout, irrespective of how bad the days were.
Q) We know that sports people follow very tough practice schedule, regarding this, tell us about the regime you follow for your practice sessions.
A) I practice for two hours in the morning and two and a half hours in the evening. I do not take off even on Sundays. These practice hours are very tough because I am not supposed to take rest in between and follow the stern instructions of the coach.
Q) When you were venturing in hockey, did you ever think about any backup plan?
A) Honestly, there was no backup plan in my mind ever. I just thought about making my parents happy and proud. My achievements in hockey were making them so. So I forgot all my pains and problems, continued playing hockey without thinking much.
Q) Why did you specifically choose hockey and not any other sports to build a career?
A) The reason is plain and simple. My brother was a hockey player so I was inclined to it. Also because hockey was very famous in my school which gave me more inclination towards it.
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Q) What was your first achievement in hockey career? Tell us how you felt?
A) When I was sixteen years old, I was selected for under 21 national level team. I had never imagined that I would be selected for this team. I was thrilled and equally shocked when I got the news of my selection.
Q) What would you advise to aspiring hockey players who aim to represent India internationally?
A) My advise would be to all players, rather than hockey players. I just want to say that game is for fun, no matter which game you choose. Play your game with enjoyment but with 100% dedication and when dedication becomes natural, heights come automatically in game!