Chhattisgarh's Om Kumar Yadav Shines at U-18 National Hockey Camp

Om Kumar Yadav, a young hockey player from Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, has been selected for Hockey India's U-18 National Coaching Camp. After showcasing his talent at the national championship, he aims to impress head coach Sardar Singh and secure a spot in the upcoming U-18 Asia Cup. Inspired by his brothers and idolizing Harmanpreet Singh, Yadav is dedicated to honing his skills and making a mark in the sport from a non-traditional hockey state. His journey reflects determination and passion for the game.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 26, 2026, 15:14 IST

Rising Star from Chhattisgarh

Om Kumar Yadav, hailing from the small town of Rajnandgaon in Basantpur, Chhattisgarh, has made history by becoming the sole player from his state selected for Hockey India's ongoing U-18 National Coaching Camp at SAI Bhopal.

His selection came after an impressive performance at the 16th Hockey India Sub Junior Men National Championship 2026 - Division 'B' held in Rajgir, Bihar, where he netted six goals, as reported in an official release.

Inspiration and Early Beginnings

Yadav's journey into hockey began at the tender age of six, inspired by his elder brothers, Rinku and Arjun Yadav, who are currently training at the Lucknow Hockey NCOE. Reflecting on his early days, he shared, "I started playing after watching my eldest brother, Rinku. Hockey has always been my passion, and I’ve been dedicated to it since I was six."

He looks up to Harmanpreet Singh, the captain of the Men's Indian Hockey team and a two-time Olympic Bronze medallist, stating, "Harmanpreet is my idol. His movement on the field and his ability to time passes perfectly inspire me greatly."

Intensive Training and Preparation

Before the national championship, Yadav trained rigorously at the Khelo India Centre in Bilaspur under the mentorship of former Olympian Ajit Lakra. His commitment to securing a spot in the U-18 National Coaching Camp was evident as he dedicated himself to intense practice.

Currently, he is training under head coach Sardar Singh at the camp, where he aims to secure a position in the 24-player squad for the U-18 Asia Cup in Kakamigahara, Japan, scheduled from May 29 to June 6, and also to compete against Australia's U-18 teams from May 11 to 21.

Learning from the Best

Yadav expressed his excitement about being part of the camp, stating, "Meeting Sardar Singh and interacting with him has been a unique experience. We are focusing on the fundamentals and learning new techniques. He helps us identify our mistakes and improve our skills, making it a valuable learning opportunity."

With aspirations of representing India in the future, Yadav is honing his skills in passing and positioning while absorbing new strategies in Bhopal, determined to make a name for himself from a state not traditionally known for hockey.