Lucknow: This January, young striker Ketan Kushwaha had a cautious start during his inaugural season with the Shrachi Bengal Tigers in the Hockey India League. However, his performance took a turn for the better last week, as he confidently guided India to victory in the Men’s Under-18 Asia Cup in Japan.
Event Context
Kushwaha attributed his team’s impressive performance to the extensive 40-day training camp. He remarked, “It was exhilarating to see our hard work translate into success and secure the title.” He expressed a strong desire to face Japan again after an earlier loss, stating that their enthusiasm was palpable as they entered the finals against them.
As a standout member of the state-run hockey hostel in Lucknow, Kushwaha is optimistic about his future in the senior Indian hockey team. He shared, “Our goal is to represent India at the Olympics and World Championships one day. We are determined to strive for gold at the Olympics.”
Despite facing challenges, including a left-hand fracture during the Hockey India League, Kushwaha remained resilient, inspiring his fellow hostel mates. He continued to focus on his fitness, even attending training sessions with his hand wrapped securely.
Ketan’s passion for hockey is rooted in his family background, as both of his older brothers are also players. He explained, “Growing up, I watched my brothers play hockey, and it became our primary source of entertainment. I accompanied my brother to watch matches, and that experience sparked my deep interest in the game.”
Player Focus
Kushwaha, aged 15, showcased impressive skill by netting eight goals, including a hat-trick, while Ashish Tani Purti emerged as a top scorer with 13 goals. India faced just one defeat in the league stage before triumphantly defeating hosts Japan 4-1 in the final.
His leadership played a crucial role throughout the tournament. In India’s opening match against Kazakhstan, Kushwaha’s hat-trick contributed significantly to a commanding 13-0 victory. When facing Korea, he added two more goals, securing a 4-1 win and helping India finish the group stage with six points in Pool A.
In the final, forward Ashish Tani Purti delivered a stellar performance with a hat-trick, while Ketan secured India’s fourth goal in the 30th minute, helping to clinch the gold medal. Prior to the Asia Cup, Ketan had already made a name for himself as a prominent young forward in Indian hockey, being the youngest player selected for the Hockey India League.
“I made it a point to attend training even from my seat in the stadium after my injury. I chose to stay at the hostel in Lucknow for rehabilitation instead of going home,” he shared. “Having my own coach and four teammates from my state in the Asia Cup has been incredibly beneficial.”
Rajnish Mishra, the secretary of Uttar Pradesh Hockey and a former India captain who served as an assistant coach during the Asia Cup in Japan, expressed his confidence in Kushwaha’s capabilities on the national stage. “I recognized his potential the first time I saw him during the trials for the hockey hostel in 2022,” Mishra remarked, who is also the chief coach of the UP team.
“All five players from Uttar Pradesh, including Kushwaha, truly deserve their spot on the Indian side, especially after contributing to UP’s victory at the Sub-Junior Nationals this year. Our well-structured training program in Lucknow has positioned UP as a key contributor to Indian hockey,” he added.
Match Outlook
Kushwaha shared with HT shortly after arriving home in Jhansi on Tuesday, “We developed a detailed strategy for each match, focusing on one contest at a time without fixating on what lay ahead.”
He continued, “As I continued to engage with the sport, my passion grew, leading me to participate in various tournaments. That’s how my journey unfolded. Today, I feel fulfilled knowing I’ve met the expectations of everyone, especially my parents, who wanted me to return victorious.”
