Field hockey News: Indian field hockey team aims to end World Cup drought

Odisha is hosting the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup for the second time in a row, giving a golden opportunity to the Indian squad to shine on the home turf. The Indian team advanced to the quarterfinals at the 2018 FIH Men's World Cup but lost 2-1 to the Netherlands.

Lalit Upadhyay made his debut for the Indian national hockey team in 2014. He spearheads the Indian forward line alongside Mandeep Singh and has scored 31 goals in 133 matches.

The 28-year-old Varanasi native has repeatedly displayed his talent on the field and is looked upon as one of the more experienced players on the team. Lalit Upadhyay said, "I feel very proud while donning the Indian jersey every time I step onto the pitch, always keeping in mind that this could very well be the last time I experience this."

Lalit Upadhyay is also helping younger players learn not to take all the pressure and better understand playing together as a team. He believes that improving youngsters' decision-making and combination skills will allow them to deceive opponent defenders easily.

Lalit Upadhyay said, "We have positive momentum from the Commonwealth Games and Olympics. The awareness of hockey among the general public in the last few years is a real motivation for us to give our best at the camp and the World Cup. We want to get rid of the World Cup draught."

The men's hockey squad will face Spain and New Zealand in the FIH Pro League clashes in Orissa from October 28, before the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup. The India contingent is preparing for the upcoming tournaments at the Sports Authority of India camp in Bengaluru, Karnataka.