For Amandeep Lakra, the walk onto the turf at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on Saturday was more than just another matchday routine.
It marked the culmination of a journey that began over a decade ago at the Panposh Sports Hostel in Rourkela.
The young defender earned his senior international debut for India in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2025–26 clash against Belgium a milestone built on years of structured training, patient progression and quiet determination.
“It is a big achievement for me,” Amandeep said after the match. “I am determined to give 100 percent for my team. I will play according to the coach’s planning and structure and give my best in every moment.”
Foundations Laid at Home
Amandeep’s hockey story is closely intertwined with family. His father, a coach at the state-run Panposh Sports Hostel, introduced him to the sport in 2013. While a professional career was not initially part of the plan, consistent mentorship at home gradually shaped his ambition.
“My father has taught me everything from the beginning. He still guides me. If I am able to drag-flick today, it is because of him,” Amandeep reflected.
That early technical grounding, particularly in penalty-corner execution, would later become one of his defining strengths. What began as routine practice sessions under his father’s watchful eye eventually evolved into a skill set capable of competing at the highest level.
Steady Progress Through the Junior Circuit
Amandeep’s breakthrough came after the 2022 Kovilpatti Nationals, when he was inducted into the Junior National Camp. From there, he represented India at key junior events, including the Sultan of Johor Cup (2022, 2023), the Junior Asia Cup 2023 and the Junior World Cup 2023.
Those tournaments exposed him to high-intensity international competition and refined his tactical awareness. However, the transition from junior to senior hockey required a different level of consistency and physical resilience.
“I knew that when I get a chance in the senior team, I have to prove myself. So I worked very hard during that phase,” he said. Interestingly, Amandeep did not begin his career as a defender. He initially played as a right half before shifting to the backline, a move prompted by his growing proficiency in drag-flicking and game management.
The positional change allowed him to develop a broader understanding of tempo and defensive structure. “In defence, you get more time to see the game how to control the speed and how to take the ball out under pressure,” he explained.
The switch also aligned him with a lineage of Odisha defenders, including former India captain Dilip Tirkey, whom Amandeep idolises. A meeting with Tirkey left a lasting impression. “He told me that playing for the national team is not easy and that hard work is the only way. Since then, my thinking has been to keep working hard,” Amandeep said.
Hero HIL as a Launchpad
A decisive moment in his ascent came during the 2025–26 Hero Hockey India League season. Representing Hyderabad Toofans, Amandeep delivered a standout campaign and was named Player of the Tournament recognition that elevated his profile within the national setup.
He viewed the league as a crucial audition.
“Hero HIL is a very big platform. Many senior team coaches watch closely. My focus was simple if I get a chance, I have to contribute for my team.” The league sharpened his 1v1 defensive duels, improved his distribution under pressure, and enhanced his understanding of high-speed transitions all attributes vital in modern international hockey.
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Senior Indian and foreign teammates also played a mentoring role, encouraging composure and simplicity in his approach. That advice, he believes, helped him adapt quickly to the demands of senior hockey.
Composure on Debut
Despite the significance of his first cap, Amandeep consciously avoided overthinking the occasion. “I haven’t thought too much about my debut. If I think too much, I will get pressured. Whenever I step on the field, I just think about giving 100 percent.”
Facing Belgium one of the world’s most structured and technically disciplined sides added another layer of challenge. Yet Amandeep embraced the opportunity as a learning experience rather than a burden.
The FIH Pro League, with its home-and-away intensity and elite competition, offers young players a testing environment ahead of major tournaments such as the 2026 World Cup and the Asian Games. For Amandeep, it represents both validation and responsibility.
Eyes on a Larger Dream
While grounded in the present, Amandeep’s ambitions remain clear. “Everyone who plays for India dreams of bringing Gold at the Olympics. It is very tough, but hard work is important.” From the training grounds of Panposh to wearing the senior India jersey, Amandeep Lakra’s debut reflects a pathway built on grassroots development, family guidance and sustained effort.
For Indian hockey, it signals the arrival of another defender shaped by structure and discipline and ready to grow in the demanding arena of international competition.
