Sumit: The hockey star who attained Olympic glory against odds

This hockey star (who goes only by one name) is a key member of India’s national team that made history in the Tokyo Olympics last year by winning a medal, bronze, after 41 years. He was also in India’s Asian Cup-winning team in 2017 and in the squad that won the 2016 Junior World hockey title.

Born at a village named Kurad in the Sonepat district of Haryana on December 20, 1996 to

Pratap Singh and Darshna Devi, who belonged to underprivileged backgrounds socially and economically, Sumit was the youngest among three siblings.

During childhood, he and other members of his family often went to bed on an empty stomach as it was an uphill task to afford two meals a day due to the severe challenges they faced on multiple fronts. It was then hardly surprising that since his early years, Sumit considered first aim in life as lifting his family out of poverty. He took up menial odd jobs in order to supplement the meagre family income. At one stage, he even worked in a dhaba (roadside eatery) at Murthal, also in Sonepat district.

Turnaround
Even amid the adversities of life, Sumit had a liking for sports since a very young age.

The establishment of a hockey academy in Sumit’s village proved to be just the breakthrough he needed. After trying his hand at a local akhada or wrestling arena, his interest in hockey soared after he observed children in his village playing the sport. He requested the academy coach Naresh Kumar to allow him to enroll there even though he did not have even a pair of shoes, let alone the equipment for the purpose.

Having considered the youngster’s avid interest as well as the strained financial condition of his family, the coach gifted him a hockey stick and a pair of shoes. Grabbing the chance, Sumit set about sharpening his skills. His good performance was immediately noticed and he was invited to join the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Bahalgarh, Sonepat. He made it to the Haryana state team and, before long, rose up not only to the national level which, in turn, led him to the international arena.

It was during the 2016 Junior World Cup in Lucknow that Sumit made headlines as a promising midfielder. Often, he would often transform an aggressive raid by the rival team into a counter-attack and goal-scoring opportunities for the forwards of his own team. Thus, he contributed in guiding India to victory in the youth tournament for only the second time since 2001.

Elevated to the India senior team in 2017, he was part of the team that struck bronze at the Hockey World League. A greater triumph awaited him in the 2017 Asian Cup in Dhaka when Manpreet Singh -led India to its first gold at the continental event after a decade. Sumit’s golden run as part of the Indian team continued when they won the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy at Muscat.

Recognition
In the wake of India’s bronze-winning performance in the Tokyo Olympics, Sumit was awarded the Arjuna Award for excellence in sports for 2021.

The midfielder received a rousing reception when he returned to his village after winning Olympics bronze. The entire village stepped out to welcome their hero with drumbeats, fire crackers, garlands and sweets.

Apart from playing in the national team, he also represents the Petroleum Sports Control Board team. Along with his family, he lives in an apartment in Sonepat district.

Interesting Facts
Sumit has represented India and been part of its men’s hockey team in 84 international matches. Even though he is a midfield player, has scored six goals, thereby underlining his all-round utility.

The youngster idolises former India captain and Olympian Dhanraj Pillay. Like the talented Pillay, Sumit is also among the fittest players in India’s national hockey squad.

Naresh Kumar, who coached Sumit at the hockey academy in the latter’s village, said he was so passionate about hockey that he even skipped the wedding of his elder brother to focus on the game.

When India won the Olympic hockey bronze at the Tokyo Games last year, Sumit dedicated the medal to his mother Darshna Devi, who passed away last year. He said, “My mother worked as a domestic help to bring us up. Had she been alive, she would have been the happiest person today. It was her dream that India win a medal in hockey at the Olympics. Though she is not alive, her blessings are always with us.”