Hockey India Sub Junior Men: Om Kumar Yadav, from the small town of Rajnandgaon in Basantpur, Chhattisgarh, is the sole player from his state selected for Hockey India’s ongoing U-18 National Coaching Camp at SAI Bhopal. He secured his spot after showcasing his talent at the 16th Hockey India Sub Junior Men National Championship 2026 - Division 'B' in Rajgir, Bihar earlier this month, where he scored six goals.
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, “My eldest brother - Rinku Yadav - used to play hockey. I started playing after seeing him. I’ve always loved watching hockey, it’s the only sport that I follow. My journey began when I was six years old, and I’ve been playing the game ever since.”
Yadav admired Harmanpreet Singh, the captain of the Men’s Indian Hockey team and a two-time Olympic Bronze medallist, during his upbringing. “Harmanpreet Singh is my idol. The way he moves on the hockey field, the timing of his passes - he doesn’t keep hold of the ball for too long. He’s 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”, Yadav mentioned.
