At the mere age of 14, Ketan Kushwaha has written his name on Indian hockey history books. From Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh the city where hockey great Dhyan Chand was born Kushwaha is the latest to make history after becoming the youngest player ever to be selected in the Hockey India League (HIL) bought by reigning champions Shrachi Bengal Tigers for Rs 2.5 lakh.
Ketan Kushwaha’s Family and Background
Ketan is from Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh a city known to churn out hockey greats like Major Dhyan Chand and Tushar Khandker. His older brother Mohit played an instrumental role in exposing him to the sport. Indian forward Mandeep Singh is someone Ketan idolizes and would like to follow in his footsteps on the international level
How Ketan Kushwaha Made the HIL Cut?
Kushwaha’s foray into the world of professional hockey is as meteoric as it is inspiring. His coaches and family refer to the young forward as a natural, possessing agility, skill, and maturity way beyond his age. Interviewed by a source, following the record-breaking auction, Kushwaha described his initial incredulity.
“I had a match while the auction was taking place, but the seniors in my hostel were present. Initially, I remained unsold and thought to myself, ‘Never mind,'” he reminisced. “Later, when I was sold, I was too engrossed in the match! Post-match, I returned home and chatted with my family. They, too, are over the moon.”
Who Inspired Ketan Kushwaha’s Hockey Dreams?
Interestingly, Ketan found his inspiration in cricket prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who, at 13 years of age, became the youngest-ever player in the IPL and recorded the fastest century by an Indian in IPL history. “I feel that if Vaibhav Suryavanshi was able to do it at this age, then why not me?” said Ketan.
Will a 14-Year-Old Ketan Kushwaha be able to Rival Veterans?
While his raw ability cannot be questioned, the question is whether a 14-year-old can physically match experienced players in the HIL. Shrachi Bengal Tigers’ team manager Jagraj Singh believes so.
I’ve been keeping an eye on him for the last one year. Even though he is a sub-junior, he’ll do very well for Uttar Pradesh’s senior sides. It is a matter of pride for us that he’ll play for us. His talent should be utilized on the global platform,” Singh said.
He further stated, “It is our job now to make him move and get ready for the large stage. I’m sure that whenever he does play, all will be singing his name!”
