Sanjay from Haryana to Make Olympic Debut in Paris
The Indian Men’s Hockey Team player Sanjay, a talented defender and drag-flicker from Dabra village near Hisar, Haryana, is set to make his debut at the Olympics in Paris. Sanjay’s journey from a small village to the grand stage of the Olympics showcases his hard work and dedication.
Dream Come True
Speaking about his first Olympics, Sanjay said, “I am honoured to be a part of the Indian team for the Paris Olympics. Like any other player, it was my dream to play in the Olympics, so I am happy that my hard work paid off and I made it to the squad for the Paris Olympics. This opportunity motivates me to work even harder and contribute to our team’s success. I look forward to making my country proud at the biggest sporting stage.”
He added, “My family was overjoyed when I shared the news of my selection for the Paris Olympics. Their blessings and encouragement have been a tremendous source of motivation for me to give my best in the event and make them proud.”
Rising Star
Sanjay first gained national attention during the 2021 Junior Hockey World Cup, where he was the highest scorer for India with eight goals, including two hat-tricks. His performance made him the third-highest scorer in the tournament and highlighted his potential as a future star in Indian hockey.
He made his senior team debut in June 2022 and helped India win the inaugural FIH Hockey5s. Sanjay has also played in major tournaments like the 19th Asian Games 2022 in Hangzhou, China, and the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Chennai 2023, where the team won Gold medals. His performance in the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Bhubaneswar 2021 earned India a 4th position, and he secured a silver medal in the 3rd Youth Olympic Games 2018. In 2021, he received the Hockey India Jugraj Singh Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Men) Under-21.
Focused on the Olympics
Now, Sanjay’s complete focus is on the Paris Olympics. He aims to take it one game at a time and give his 100 percent in each match. “I will focus on the Olympics by taking it one game at a time and giving my 100 percent in each match. My goal is to stay fully present and committed, ensuring that I contribute to my team’s success with every opportunity on the field. This is the moment I have worked so hard for, and I intend to make the most of it,” he stated.
Revealing his ultimate dream, Sanjay said, “Ever since I picked up a hockey stick, I have dreamed of winning Gold medals at the Olympics and the World Cup. Representing my country on these prestigious platforms and bringing home the Gold has always been my ultimate goal. I am deeply committed to making my nation proud through my dedication and hard work on the field.”
India will start their Paris 2024 Olympics campaign on July 27, facing New Zealand in their first pool B match at 2100hrs IST.
Doubts Revealed
Olympic Debut -: This means it is the first time Sanjay will be playing in the Olympic Games, which is a big international sports event.
Paris -: Paris is the capital city of France, a country in Europe. The next Olympic Games will be held there in 2024.
Defender -: In hockey, a defender is a player who helps protect their team’s goal from the opposing team.
Drag-flicker -: A drag-flicker is a player who takes a special type of shot in hockey, usually during penalty corners, to try and score a goal.
Dabra village -: Dabra is a small village near Hisar, which is a city in the state of Haryana, India.
Junior Hockey World Cup -: This is a big international hockey tournament for players who are under 21 years old.
Campaign -: In this context, ‘campaign’ means the series of games that India will play in the Olympics.
New Zealand -: New Zealand is a country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It is one of the teams India will play against in the Olympics.