Representing one’s country in the Olympic Games is a cherished aspiration for numerous athletes, and for Raj Kumar Pal, it is not merely a personal ambition, but a chance to actualize the unrealized dreams of his village. Affectionately known as ‘Ghazipur ka Raj Kumar’, this talented midfielder is preparing himself to leave an indelible mark at the Paris Olympics, with the aim of bringing honour to his family, acquaintances, and the aspiring players from his hometown of Karampur.
Hailing from Karampur, a small village with a population of approximately three thousand, Raj Kumar Pal’s journey to the Paris Olympics is an inspiring narrative of perseverance and determination. Growing up in a family of hockey enthusiasts, Raj Kumar, the youngest of three siblings, inherited a passion for the sport. Despite encountering numerous obstacles, he has emerged as the first player from his village and district to have represented the Indian senior team, making his debut in 2020 during the Pro League matches against Belgium.
In a recent interview with the Press Trust of India (PTI), Raj Kumar shared, “In our family, both my brothers also play hockey. The middle brother had been in the India camp and the elder brother had played at the national level. Both could not play for India.” Raj Kumar’s determination and unwavering spirit are not only a source of pride for his village but also a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes.
Recounting the challenges he had to overcome, Raj Kumar revealed, “More than 400 boys from my village got jobs through hockey but no one played at this level. The people of my village are looking up to me, and I will leave no stone unturned in Paris to fulfil the unfulfilled dreams of my brothers and all others.” It is evident that the weight of expectations and aspirations of his village are a driving force for Raj Kumar as he prepares for the upcoming Olympics.
Describing his emotional journey, Raj Kumar candidly shared, “When I got the news of my selection in the Olympics-bound team, I cried remembering my past and missed my father a lot. When I called home, my mother also cried. I will never forget my past, and it inspires me.” His dedication and commitment to the sport have earned him 53 international caps so far, including being a part of the Indian team that clinched bronze medals in the Asia Cup (Jakarta, 2022) and the Asian Champions Trophy (Dhaka, 2021).
As Raj Kumar gears up for the Paris Olympics, he remains focused and well-prepared, seeking guidance from senior players like PR Sreejesh, Harmanpreet Singh, and Manpreet Singh. He is confident about delivering a stellar performance for the Indian team, both as an individual and as part of the squad. Emphasizing their singular focus on the competition, Raj Kumar said, “Our focus is only on our matches. There will be big stars in the Olympic Games Village, but that glamour is not the focus right now. We just have to change the colour of the medal and make our village an Olympic medal winner’s village.”
His resilience and dedication to fulfilling the dreams of his village and family make Raj Kumar’s journey to the Paris Olympics a story that truly stands out. As he represents India on the world stage, his story serves as a powerful inspiration for aspiring athletes, reminding us that with unwavering determination and resilience, no dream is too far-fetched.