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India won the silver medal at the 2018 Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
While most of the players have gone on to feature regularly for the junior national team, captain Vivek Sagar Prasad has been promoted to the senior level and will represent the country at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.
BJ Kariappa was the head coach of the under-18 team at the Youth Olympics – which is played in the Hockey 5s format – and is still with the boys. Let's take a look at all nine players of the Class of 2018 and where they are now.
#1 Vivek Sagar Prasad (Captain)
The only one yet to make it to the senior ranks, Vivek Sagar Prasad is a midfielder. He is a product of the Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy, which has shaped several world-class players. Prasad hit the limelight when he was selected ahead of Sardar Singh for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
Prasad, who works with BPCL, hasn’t looked back since. He has been a regular in the senior team. A top-notch midfielder, Prasad possesses nimble footwork and deft dribbling skills. He led the team at the 2018 Youth Olympics.
Prasad, who now works with BPCL, hasn’t looked back since. He has been a regular in the senior Indian hockey team. A top-notch midfielder, Vivek can wrong-foot players easily. He led his team to the finals in the Hockey 5’s competition at the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires.
With 62 caps and 15 goals to his name, Prasad is one for the future and a potential senior team captain.
Also Read: Vivek Sagar Prasad and Lalremsiami - Reliving the journey of two rising stars of Indian hockey.
#2 Prashant Chauhan
A tall, whippy, and agile goalkeeper, Chauhan was the vice-captain of the 2018 Youth Olympics team.
Hailing from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Chauhan joined the junior team in 2017 and has played almost every major tournament that the team has featured in.
His splendid performances were one of the key reasons for India’s success at the Youth Olympics. Chauhan stands out from other goalkeepers with his aggression and on-field shouting of instructions. He is just 21 and still has a long way to go as a player. Many expect to see him fill in for PR Sreejesh in the senior team soon.
#3 Sudeep Chirmako
Sudeep Chirmako represents Odisha in the domestic circuit. Still just 19, his dribbling and 3D skills have won him many fans. His dribbling and 3D skills are ones to watch out for. Just 19, Chirmako has the ability to dribble past several defenders at a time and get into the opposition’s half.
He rose to prominence during the nationals, which landed him a call-up to the junior India camp. He has since featured regularly for the team. Chirmako is a gutsy forward who is always hungry for goals.
A product of the Panposh Sports Hostel in Rourkela, Chirmako made his debut for the junior India team at the eight-nations invitational tournament in Spain. He was India’s highest scorer at the 2018 Youth Olympics, with 11 goals, and is another one to watch out for.
#4 Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem
Manipuris idolize senior team halfback Chinglensana Singh Kangujam, and the well-built Rabichandra is no different. The latter debuted for the junior team in 2016 and has not looked back since.
He spearheaded the Indian defence at the Youth Olympics and has been working to improve his skills. It cannot be long before we see Rabichandra calling the shots from the back in the senior team as well.
#5 Shivam Anand
Shivam Anand is Prashant Chauhan’s state mate, and they shared a good bond in the team. The smiling assassin, Anand scored key goals for the team at the Youth Olympics.
He is a prolific striker who also dreams of playing for the senior national team.
#6 Rahul Kumar Rajbhar
Another Uttar Pradesh boy in the team, Rahul Kumar Rajbhar, works for the Indian Air Force and represents the Services Sports Control Board in domestic tournaments. He was also a regular in the junior team.
Rajbhar formed an effective trio with Chirmako and Anand at the Youth Olympics. Although they failed to score in the final, they combined to lead the team in the league and knockout phases of the tournament.
#7 Sanjay
A powerful drag-flicker, Sanjay was also a key defender at the Youth Olympics. Tall and athletic, he stood out on the pitch. Representing Hockey Chandigarh, Sanjay is only 20, and if he continues to impress, he could be an asset to the senior Indian hockey team in the future.
Also Read: Why do the Indian Hockey teams have only one goalkeeper for Tokyo Olympics 2020?
#8 Maninder Singh
Sanjay’s state mate, Maninder Singh, made his debut for India at the 2017 Sultan of Johar Cup. Singh is a big-match player, who has also been a junior team regular.
A majestic midfielder, Singh dreams of playing in the Junior World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in India later this year.
#9 Pawan
Haryana’s Pawan was the team’s second goalkeeper. He has represented India in three tournaments to date, and at 21 has age on his side.
Disclaimer: The opinions in this piece are that of the writer and based on the information available about the players on the internet.
