For Delhi SG Pipers’ Rajkumar Pal, the journey over the past years in hockey has been sensational. After missing the chance to make the trip for the Tokyo Olympics, the midfielder went back to the drawing board and worked hard. This was rewarded in 2024, when he was part of the Indian team that won the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics.
Now, set to be part of the revamped Hockey India League, Rajkumar is hoping to make the spotlight his own with the Delhi SG Pipers. The team made heads turn at the auction table with their eye for young talent and the midfielder feels this will help the side in the long run. Speaking exclusively to Indiatoday.in, Rajkumar was realistic about Delhi’s chances in the 2024-25 season and also opened up about being reunited with PR Sreejesh.
The midfielder also gave a sneak peek into his journey so far and his goals going forward.
Rajkumar Pal interaction
India Today: Let’s start with the Hockey India League again. Last time we were here, many stars got a chance to make a name for themselves. People at home started recognising players. Do you expect the same impact from the upcoming league?
Rajkumar Pal: Absolutely! In this league, I think three or four players will shine. I also want to give my 100 percent and take the spotlight. Every player wants to be noticed, and everyone will try their best. It’s great to be a part of a team. The whole game should be about making an impact, as every team has that one player who consistently scores goals and gets noticed. Scoring gives confidence and motivation and the game continues to improve. I hope that if I start the tournament well, I can aim for better performances throughout the league.
India Today: As you mentioned, you are playing for Delhi SG Pipers. What makes the Delhi SG Pipers team special compared to other teams this time?
Rajkumar Pal: I think our team has the most number of young players, which is going to be a huge advantage for Delhi SG Pipers. The players are young and fit, and we’ve built a well-balanced team. We have experienced forwards, midfielders, and defenders, and even the juniors are getting the support they need. So, I believe it’s a strong team, and we will all support each other. The more experienced players will guide the younger ones. We have a good balance, and now it’s just about preparing well and putting in our best effort.
India Today: You’re a young player yourself, very energetic. Do you think the team will achieve success right away, or will it take time?
Rajkumar Pal: I think we will have success, but we might not finish in the top 4 right away. However, we can make it to the finals in the future, and I believe that in the coming seasons, as we gain more experience, the team will become much stronger. After 2-3 years, the team will be much better, with improved confidence and skill from the new players as well. So, success is definitely on the horizon, but it will take some time to reach our peak.
India Today: You will reunite with PR Sreejesh at Delhi SG Pipers. What does it feel like to play with him again?
Rajkumar Pal: Playing with Sreejesh Bhai is great. He always motivates the players, and that’s important for every team. During our previous time together, he was a huge help, always guiding us, and I’m sure he will continue to do that. It feels good to be with such a player because he understands the game and the mental aspects of it. We can always talk to him about what to do, and his guidance is a big contribution to the team’s success.
India Today: Your rise to the top has been challenging. You lost your father, then you didn’t make the Olympic team in 2020. But you kept pushing forward, and eventually, you made it to the Paris Olympics and won a medal. How do you see your journey?
Rajkumar Pal: When I look back, I feel there’s been a lot of change in my life. People want to meet me now because of the Olympic medal, but when I didn’t make it in 2020, it was very disappointing. I was sad, but I didn’t let it drag me down for too long. I quickly moved on and kept my mind fresh. Every player has a turning point in their career, and that was mine. If I had kept thinking about not making the team, I wouldn’t have reached where I am today. I continued working hard, and eventually, the opportunity came. When I finally played in the Olympics, my whole journey changed. My family, my village, everything became special. The most happiness came when the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh came to my village to honour me and my family.
India Today: Give us a sneak peek into your hockey journey.
Rajkumar Pal: I’m from a village called Karmapur in the Ghazipur district, which is near Varanasi. My journey started in 2009 when I began playing. All three of my brothers played too, and I started playing because of them. Initially, my family didn’t approve, but they eventually supported me, and I started practicing at a private academy run by the late Tej Bahadur Singh. Over time, the craze for hockey grew in my village, and people started getting jobs in the army and other departments because of hockey. That’s when things started changing. I later moved to Lucknow, but my family faced a tough time. My father had passed away in 2011, and my mother had to make some very difficult decisions. She was alone at home, and even though it was tough for her, she encouraged me to go pursue my dreams. I can never forget that sacrifice.
India Today: It must have been a very difficult decision for your mother.
Rajkumar Pal: Yes, it was incredibly difficult for her, especially with no one else at home. She had to manage everything herself. She even had to take care of the cows and handle other household work. But I’m grateful to her for letting me pursue my dreams. I can never forget that time, especially when I had to leave in 2011.
India Today: Now that you’ve won an Olympic bronze and performed excellently well with the national side, what’s your personal goal?
Rajkumar Pal: My personal goal is to continue improving my skills. I want to control the ball and positioning better, especially in high-speed situations, and create more scoring opportunities. I hope to show my skills and contribute more to the team. I always strive to be better, and my focus is to help my team win by playing my best.
