Two UP players in Indian hockey team for Asian Champions Trophy

Lucknow: Hockey India has named two players from Uttar Pradesh, Lalit Upadhyay and Raj Kumar Pal, for the 20-member men’s team for the Asian Champions Trophy to be played in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from December 14-22. Lalit, who was the only hockey player (men’s) from Uttar Pradesh to have participated in the Tokyo Olympics, has earlier participated in the Asian Champions Trophy in 2016 and 2018. “The good thing this time will be that both senior and junior players are there in the team. This will give an opportunity to young players to improve their game,” he said. Raj Kumar Pal, who hails from Karampur village in Ghazipur, will participate in the Asian Champions Trophy for the first time. He started his hockey journey in 2009 from Meghbaran Singh Stadium in his village and moved to Lucknow SAI Centre in 2012.

“My hard work has finally yielded result. I come from a small village which has produced many players. I also learnt a lot at SAI centre. Due to

sports

, my brothers are in the railways and army,” he said, adding that he would try his best to bring honour to the country.