KUALA LUMPUR — Can hockey be the catalyst for change in Haryana’s fields?
The ongoing FIH Men’s Junior World Cup has witnessed numerous wonder kids breaking into the field hockey scene.
Among them is India’s emerging sensation, Rohit Ubayveer, who has carved a niche for himself in the tournament with his versatility in both the defensive and offensive aspects of his gameplay.
Hailing from the state of Haryana, known for a high incidence of farmer suicides and where farmers struggle to maintain a stable income, Rohit emerged from a lineage of farmers.
His success in life stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for youngsters currently facing difficult phases in his state, which has a total population of 25,351,462 million people.
Speaking to Scoop, Rohit shared insights into his journey, highlighting the struggles and triumphs that have shaped his remarkable story.
“Growing up in a small village in Haryana, life was very tough, especially being born into a family of farmers.
“My father’s monthly income was just 1,500 rupees (RM84), and that’s how little he used to earn to bring up my four siblings, amidst much suffering.
“I learned a lot from my father; he taught me how to be a hardworking person and not give up in life even in tough situations.
“He understood my passion for hockey and enrolled me in the Chandigarh Football and Hockey Academy when I was 10 years old.
“Without my father, I wouldn’t be where I am in life today and I would like to keep working hard and become like my Harmanpreet Singh by scoring 160 above goals for India,” said Rohit.
Rohit, who now has three goals under his belt in his Junior World Cup debut, hopes to maintain his momentum and help his nation win their third World Cup title.
“I’m the first from my family to represent India in hockey. My family is proud of me, and my dad is my number one fan.
“The game against Canada was good, and I enjoyed it very much. I’m happy to score against a good side like Canada, and I hope to add to my tally in our next quarterfinal match and go far to win the World Cup.
The penalty corner (PC) specialist scored a brace in India’s 10-1 win over Canada in a Group C match at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
The 19-year-old has so far taken six penalty corners and converted three in the World Cup.
For Rohit’s team, it was their second group win, advancing them to the quarter-finals where they will face the reigning European champions, the Netherlands, on Tuesday.
India’s 10-1 win was the second-highest, after Germany’s 10-0 thrashing of Egypt, in the ongoing World Cup. — December 11, 2023