India's aggressive midfielder Rajkumar Pal, who has almost quit hockey after his father's death nine years ago, has said that he is working hard to make it to the Indian team going to the Olympics. The 21-year-old from Uttar Pradesh Karnapur (Ghazipur) played brilliantly against world champion Belgium in the Bhubaneswar FIH Hockey Pro League in February. He said, 'I joined the SAI Sports Hostel in 2010 but my father died in 2011. I had to leave the game because my mother was alone. My brothers were also away from home. I almost gave up hockey due to the pain of losing my father and family problems. But at the behest of my mother, I again went to SAI Sports Hostel in 2012. Now my goal is to give 100 percent for the team and make it to the team. Playing the first match against a world champion team like Belgium was a big moment for me. I wanted to live up to expectations. '
He further said, 'It was my wish that my father could see me playing for the country because he was my strength. His encouraging words are still my strength today'. Let us tell you that both his elder brothers play hockey for Jokhan Pal (Army) and Raju Pal (Southern Railway).
After making his place in the Indian senior team for the first time, he felt some pressure initially in training techniques. He said, 'The senior hockey team was very different from the hockey we used to play at home. Lalit (Upadhyay) brother is also from Uttar Pradesh and he made me feel comfortable playing hockey without feeling pressured. His advice was very useful to me. I want to mold my game like Captain Manpreet Singh. I am focusing on being in the right position with my speed. I am desperate to capitalize on every opportunity for India. '
