India delivered a commanding performance at the Asian Lacrosse Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this February, winning gold medals in both the men\u2019s and women\u2019s Sixes events. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
India\u2019s upcoming key events include the 3rd Asian Lacrosse Games in Chengdu, China, in April, and the Asia-Pacific Sixes Lacrosse Championships in Australia this October. These tournaments will also act as qualification events for LA 2028.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
A law student and former hockey player, Reddy stumbled upon lacrosse while exploring lesser-known disciplines associated with global multi-sport events such as the Olympic Games and the Commonwealth Games.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI was bored one day and began searching for new sports that are part of multi-sporting events like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. That\u2019s when I came across lacrosse. The Olympics are the biggest stage for any athlete. That was one of the main motivations for me to take up the sport,\u201d Reddy told Olympics.com.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With his hockey background aiding a smooth transition, Reddy quickly rose through the ranks and earned a spot in the national setup within months. Just three years later, he led India to a historic triumph at the Asian Lacrosse Games, marking a major milestone for a sport still in its infancy in the country.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Looking beyond personal milestones, Reddy sees lacrosse as a platform to create long-term impact.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cSo if you get into an emerging sport like lacrosse, you can actually build the system from the ground up and bring players in from the grassroots level. You can make a much larger impact compared to trying to get into an already established system. We're trying to build a system wherein India actually becomes a powerhouse in a couple of years,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Introduced in India in 2008 and gaining momentum only in recent years, the sport continues to face structural challenges. With limited infrastructure and awareness, players often take on multiple responsibilities to grow the game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBecause it\u2019s all new, the players have to wear multiple hats. We spend on average five to seven days every month trying to promote the sport,\u201d Reddy said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite logistical hurdles, including players being spread across different states, the team has built strong unity through shared purpose and regular communication.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
On the field, India\u2019s rapid rise has already turned heads. After a learning experience in early international outings, the team clinched gold at the Asian Lacrosse Games, a moment Reddy described as unforgettable.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHearing the national anthem play after we won, waving the national flag \u2013 those moments, I don\u2019t think any player, whether a captain or not, can fully describe it. It\u2019s something you have to experience,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With the 2026 Asian Games approaching, Reddy expects a tougher challenge but remains optimistic.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"In the Asian scene, some of the stronger teams include China, Hong Kong, and the Philippines\u2026 Australia is very strong, and New Zealand is an emerging nation in lacrosse,\u201d he expressed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With the 2026 Asian Games approaching, Reddy expects a tougher challenge but remains optimistic.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"We definitely have belief. The time is short, but whatever is in our control, we\u2019re trying to improve and work on it. That\u2019s the short-term goal. If not LA28, then Brisbane 2032, or even 2036.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n