Chhattisgarh's Rising Star: Om Yadav Eyes U-18 Asia Cup Glory

Om Kumar Yadav, from Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, has been selected for Hockey India's U-18 National Coaching Camp. Inspired by his brothers and idol Harmanpreet Singh, Yadav impressed at the Sub Junior Men National Championship. Training in Bhopal, he aims to secure his place for the U-18 Asia Cup in Japan.

Om Kumar Yadav, emerging from the small town of Rajnandgaon in Chhattisgarh, stands out as the sole representative of his state at the Hockey India U-18 National Coaching Camp in SAI Bhopal. His remarkable performance, scoring six goals at the 16th Hockey India Sub Junior Men National Championship 2026 in Rajgir, Bihar, secured his selection.

Heavily influenced by his older brothers, Rinku and Arjun Yadav, both training at Lucknow Hockey NCOE, Om took up hockey at the tender age of six. Om credits Rinku, his eldest brother, for sparking his passion for the game. 'Watching my brother play initiated my love for hockey, and I've been committed to it ever since,' Om shared. Harmanpreet Singh, the captain of India's Men's Hockey team, has been Om's long-time idol.

In preparation for the national championship, Om honed his skills at the Khelo India Centre in Bilaspur under Olympian Ajit Lakra's stewardship. With dreams set on the U-18 Asia Cup in Japan, beginning May 29, he aims to solidify his position in the 24-player squad. 'Training under Sardar Singh has been a transformative journey,' remarked Om, reflecting on his experience at the camp, where under Singh's guidance, he continues to refine his skills, aspiring to represent India on the global stage.