Paris Olympics 2024: Lalit And Hardik Shared The Secret Behind Winning The Medal

India’s bronze medal victory in hockey at the Paris Olympics in 2024 was a testament to the resilience and determination of the players. After suffering a setback in the semi-finals, the Indian hockey team managed to recover, regroup, and emerge victorious in the bronze medal match against Spain.

Hardik Singh and Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, two key members of the Indian team, recently shared their journey of triumph and spoke about the mindset and motivation that led them to secure the medal. The duo, along with Sharda Nand Tiwari from the UP Rudras team, visited the NBT office as part of their involvement with the Hockey India League (HIL). In a candid conversation, they discussed their experiences, the role of sports in Uttar Pradesh (UP), and how HIL will benefit the future of Indian hockey.

The Key to Winning Medal: Passion and Determination

 

The Indian hockey team, after the defeat at the hands of Germany in the semi-finals of the Paris Olympics, was under extreme pressure since it had to play for the bronze medal. Hardik and Lalit both knew that passion and a never-give-up spirit were the only way out. Both players pointed out that they could not think of the loss because it had not taken them to the gold medal match.

Lalit Upadhyay: “The journey of the Paris Olympics was great, but the fact that we didn’t win gold was a little disappointing. We lost to Germany and had to fight for bronze. We can’t sit down and say we lost. We need to bring home the medal for the country. We were full of energy now, and we defeated Spain to win the bronze.”

That has been the story of this Indian team,” Hardik Singh said. “We know how to get back after all sorts of adversities and what brought us victory is the intent to fight till the last minute. And that’s what led them to victory and helped deliver the medal that India had been waiting for.”

The Future of Hockey in Uttar Pradesh

 

Hardik and Lalit were optimistic about the future of hockey in UP. They said that support and infrastructure for the sport in the state are growing. The government is trying to encourage young players by offering jobs, medical support, and counseling. According to the players, this robust environment is likely to propel India to a gold medal in future Olympic Games.

Hardik Singh on the hockey ecosystem in UP: “The current environment for players, including the facilities and support from the government, is amazing. The growing focus on players’ welfare means that we are on the right track. With the support we’re getting, I firmly believe that a gold medal in hockey at the Olympics is within our reach.”

How the Hockey India League Will Benefit UP Players

 

The Hockey India League is another major platform through which players from Uttar Pradesh can gain experience. Lalit Upadhyay stressed that HIL is one such opportunity where both seniors and juniors can learn from each other. With this combination of experience and young talent, an environment of growth and knowledge acquisition is developed.

Lalit Upadhyay explained, “In the HIL, the combination of senior and junior players in the same team is a huge advantage. New players can learn a lot from the experiences of the seniors, especially when it comes to making decisions under pressure and adapting strategies mid-game.”

The Challenges of Bouncing Back After Semi-Final Loss

 

Lalit further reflected on the difficulties faced in returning to competition mode after the emotional aftermath of losing to France in the semis in Paris. The stakes were extremely high for the bronze medal match, but the mental strength of the players kept them in sight of the bigger goal of winning a medal for India.

“It’s not easy to bounce back from a loss like that, especially when the team was so close to a gold medal,” Lalit said. “But we knew we had to push through, keep our heads in the game, and focus on the task at hand. Our passion for the sport and the pride of representing our country gave us the strength to fight till the end.”

Learning from Foreign Players and Coaches

The inculcation of foreign players and coaches into the Indian team has really helped the players develop their skills. Indian players from UP now train with top international coaches, including the Netherlands. According to Hardik and Lalit, the exposure has helped them develop as players by learning new techniques and strategies.

As Hardik Singh mentioned, “Having foreign players and coaches with us has been an excellent experience. It’s not only about learning new tactics but also about knowing how different teams play. When we share a dressing room with them, we absorb knowledge that can make all the difference on the field.”

The Effects of Foreign Players Leaving

Despite some withdrawals of foreign players from the HIL, Lalit and Hardik said that the team’s morale has not been affected. They believe that the opportunities given to local players in place of foreign stars only create more space for growth within the team.

The withdrawal of foreign players hasn’t had any negative impact on the team. The focus is on the game and the team as a whole, and it has provided local players with more chances to prove themselves, Lalit added.

Balancing Fitness and Indulgence in Lucknow

 

When asked about managing their fitness while living in Lucknow, both players were candid about how they maintained their diet. While fitness is crucial, they also acknowledged the temptation of the famous local cuisine.

Lalit jokingly admitted, “There’s no comparison to the food in Lucknow, especially the Tunde Kababs. But we stick to our diet plans and only indulge on cheat days.”

Hardik echoed the words of his teammate and added, “When you’re in Lucknow, how can you not eat Tunde Kabab? It’s a must. Even when we left home, we were told to pack some before we left for Lucknow.

When asked about the importance of money versus passion, Hardik emphasized that passion should always come first. He believes that when a player follows their passion and works with dedication, success, and financial rewards will naturally follow.

Hardik Singh said, “Money comes when you follow your passion. If you are truly passionate about your sport, you will always find joy in it. And when you enjoy what you do, success follows, including financial rewards.”

A Special Connection to Lucknow

 

For Sharda Nand Tiwari, playing for UP Rudras in Lucknow has been an experience close to his heart. He began his hockey career in the city and fondly spoke of his early days in the sport.

Sharda shared, “I used to fly kites in KD Singh, and that’s where I started playing hockey. I began playing because I thought it would help me steal a kite. Today, I’m part of the UP Rudras team, and it feels incredibly special to be back here.”

The stories of Hardik Singh, Lalit Upadhyay, and Sharda Nand Tiwari tell the mindsets, discipline, and determination that can be followed to win international sports. Their journey from Paris Olympics glory to HIL reflects how Indian hockey is changing and how the Uttar Pradesh players are leading the change. Their passion for the game combined with the support of programmes like HIL is only going to promise a bright future for hockey in India.

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