Inspired by his elder brothers, Rinku Yadav and Arjun Yadav, who currently train at Lucknow Hockey NCOE, the young player first picked up a hockey stick at age six and has been dedicated ever since. Reflecting on his early experiences with the sport, Yadav said, \u201cMy eldest brother - Rinku Yadav - used to play hockey. I started playing after seeing him. I\u2019ve always loved watching hockey, it\u2019s the only sport that I follow. My journey began when I was six years old, and I\u2019ve been playing the game ever since.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Yadav admired Harmanpreet Singh, the captain of the Men\u2019s Indian Hockey team and a two-time Olympic Bronze medallist, during his upbringing. \u201cHarmanpreet Singh is my idol. The way he moves on the hockey field, the timing of his passes - he doesn\u2019t keep hold of the ball for too long. He\u2019s always got an eye for goal, whether it's from open play or the dragflick from set-pieces. Everything he does on the field inspires me a lot\u201d, Yadav mentioned.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ahead of the 16th Hockey India Sub Junior Men National Championship 2026, Yadav practiced at the Khelo India Centre in Bilaspur, sharpening his skills with guidance from former Olympian Ajit Lakra. Driven to secure a spot in the U-18 National Coaching Camp, the young forward put in maximum effort during training to stand out in the tournament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Now training under Sardar Singh as head coach, Yadav aims to impress and secure his spot in the 24-player squad for the U18 Asia Cup Kakamigahara 2026, set to be held in Japan from May 29 to June 6. He will also compete against Australia\u2019s U-18 teams from May 11 to 21.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ahead of the 16th Hockey India Sub Junior Men National Championship 2026, Yadav practiced at the Khelo India Centre in Bilaspur, sharpening his skills with guidance from former Olympian Ajit Lakra. Driven to secure a spot in the U-18 National Coaching Camp, the young forward put in maximum effort during training to stand out in the tournament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Yadav, focused on his goal of representing India someday, persistently develops his skills, passing the ball and advancing to create space, while acquiring new knowledge about the game in Bhopal. He aims to secure a spot in the U-18 Indian Men\u2019s hockey team and make an impact from a non-traditional hockey region.<\/p>\r\n\r\n