The Indian men’s hockey team is currently in preparations for the forthcoming Paris Olympics, and forward Abhishek, who is set to make his Olympic debut, is amongst the athletes. His participation in the international sporting event is the realization of a long-held aspiration to represent India.
Hailing from Sonepat, Haryana, Abhishek has harbored the ambition to play for India in the Olympics since the age of 14. “Ever since I was 14, it has been my dream to play for India in the Olympics,” he shared. “This is a privilege and a responsibility that I take very seriously. I want to do my best and make the whole country proud.”
His family shares in his excitement, with Abhishek noting, “It’s surreal for them.” He added, “When I started doing well in hockey, the most we expected was a government job. So, seeing me reach this level is thrilling for them. My brother, especially, has always been my biggest supporter.”
Despite not often discussing hockey with his extended family and friends, Abhishek has been overwhelmed by the love and support he has received from them ahead of the Olympics. “Everybody knows how important this is, that is the significance of the Olympics,” he remarked.
With 74 matches for India under his belt, including appearances in major tournaments like the Commonwealth Games and the FIH World Cup, Abhishek is no stranger to high-pressure situations. “The pressure in big tournaments doesn’t deter me or change my approach. I just try to execute on the pitch,” he affirmed.
Abhishek highlighted the importance of the Indian team’s mental conditioning camp in Switzerland, underscoring its role in strengthening team dynamics and preparing for intense competition. “After months of focusing on the physical aspect of the game, this camp is exactly what we needed. The team has been spending time connecting on and off the field, improving our bond, and learning to handle high-pressure situations better,” he noted.
Aside from his teammates, Abhishek also draws inspiration from footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, citing the athlete’s mentality and approach to the game as motivating factors. “As a professional athlete, his mentality and approach to the game motivate me to play and train in a certain way. Watching him has inspired me to push my limits and strive for excellence,” he explained.
India’s Olympic campaign will commence on July 27, with the team facing New Zealand in their first pool B match.
As Abhishek prepares to take the field and represent his country on the international stage, his journey stands as a testament to dedication, perseverance, and the pursuit of one’s dreams. With the support of his family, the inspiration from his role models, and the experience gained from his numerous appearances for India, Abhishek is poised to embrace the opportunity and make his mark at the Paris Olympics.