Sujit Kumar Has Wisdom to Impart

Beginning his hockey journey at age five, Kumar speaks out for the good of the game. 

Sujit Kumar Srivastava epitomizes the quintessential Indian hockey story with a narrative woven intricately with familial legacy and innate talent. From modest origins to being the erstwhile captain of the 1982 Junior Indian Hockey Team to playing in the 1988 Seoul Olympics, Sujit assumed leadership with aplomb. He showcased exemplary skill and finesse with his hockey stick. For 16 long years with Indian Airlines, Sujit’s versatility shone brightly, and he seamlessly transitioned between diverse positions on the hockey field, underscoring his adaptability and mastery of the game.

His journey is predestined and stems from a lineage deeply entrenched in the sport. He says, “My hockey journey is deeply rooted in my family’s legacy. Hockey has been a tradition passed down through generations, from my grandparents to my parents. My grandfather, the late Rakesh Kumar Singh Srivastava, and my uncle, Girish Srivastava, played instrumental roles in introducing me to the sport at a young age. Under their guidance, along with the support of my brother Ajit, I began my hockey journey at the tender age of five. As I progressed in my schooling, my family’s influence remained pivotal. In eighth grade, I had the opportunity to attend a trial for the Sports Hostel, an experience I shared with my brother Ajit. I was fortunate to be selected for the Sports Hostel in Meerut there. Throughout my time at the hostel, I was under the tutelage of Mr. K. H. Sharma, who played a significant role in shaping my skills and passion for hockey during those formative years.”

As a kid growing up in the sports hostel, Sujit started a Left Half. However, he also played centre-half and right-out positions. After his time at the Sports Hostel, Sujit joined the State Bank of India for two years. At this juncture, he decided to leave that job when Indian Airlines offered me a chance to play for them. He says, “Little did I know, it would begin a remarkable 16-year journey with Indian Airlines. It’s quite remarkable how fate works, from being a ball boy watching Ashok Kumar play at the K.D. Singh Memorial Hockey tournament in Lucknow to eventually play alongside him at Indian Airlines. Together, we clinched numerous major trophies, etching our names in the annals of Indian hockey history.”

At a higher level for India and Indian Airlines, Sujit predominantly played as a Left Half. He made his India debut against East Germany in 1982. On motivation and passion, Sujit says, “The realization of my family’s financial struggles motivated me and others to strive for the Indian team. We practised relentlessly, even during the rainy season, demonstrating our commitment to the sport.”

At the Olympics

Sujit recalled his playing days with rich pride and emotions, especially his time for Indian Airlines in various domestic tournaments in India, where he played with his hero and one of India’s most significant. He narrated, “Two tournaments stand out prominently in my mind. Firstly, the Aga Khan tournament in 1979 left a lasting impression. I was just 18 years old, playing for the Sports Hostel Lucknow. Despite being underestimated, we surprised everyone with our performance, even enjoying a trip around Mumbai arranged by the organizers. Our encounter with Indian Airlines in the semi-finals was particularly memorable despite ultimately losing to their formidable line-up. Another unforgettable moment was during a match against Pakistan International Airlines (P.I.A) in the early nineties. Facing a team boasting nine Olympians who had won gold in Los Angeles, the atmosphere was electric. Against all odds, we emerged victorious with a remarkable 4-1 win. It was a match where Ashok Kumar’s remarkable skills defied age, leaving spectators in awe. This match remains etched in my memory as a testament to the magic of hockey and the prowess of players like Ashok Kumar.”

In an exclusive interview with The Sports Column, Kumar reminisced about his early days, the death of offside rule, and his enduring passion for field hockey.

Ravi: Who do you consider the most outstanding goalkeeper in field hockey?

Sujit Kumar: I have not seen Shankar Laxman play. P.R. Sreejesh stands out as the top goalkeeper.

Ravi: Could you retell something about abolishing the offside rule and the rolling-in substitution?

Sujit Kumar: The abolition of the offside rule has dealt a significant blow to the essence of hockey, stripping away its original artistry and magic. The game has lost a crucial element that once defined its glorious history. On the other hand, I feel the introduction of rolling substitution has transformed the dynamics of modern hockey. In today’s fast-paced game, each player is afforded only a few opportunities to showcase their best within the 60-minute timeframe divided into four halves. Expecting a player to maintain peak performance throughout is unrealistic, hence the need for strategic substitutions. Also, this evolution has turned hockey into a power-packed spectacle demanding every player’s explosive performances. An unfit player cannot keep up with the intensity of modern hockey.

Ravi: What are your expectations for the Indian team’s performance in Paris?

From 2022

Sujit Kumar: It’s disheartening to see the women’s team miss out on the Paris Olympics, but with Harendra Singh at the helm, I’m optimistic about their future prospects. They’ll rise like the morning sun. As for the men’s team, I’m confident they’ll secure a place on the podium in Paris. Their abilities speak volumes. They should have clinched at least a silver in Tokyo, but unfortunate circumstances led to a loss in the semi-finals to Belgium. Similarly, the women’s team, led by Rani Rampal, showed great promise despite lacking experience and narrowly missed the bronze.

Ravi: Can you comment on the lack of recognition for players from your generation?

Sujit Kumar: It’s unfortunate but true. Internal favoritism and biases towards specific individuals have deprived many players, including me, of opportunities. I could have contributed more as a player and now as a coach in Lucknow, nurturing talent for the state. Despite receiving a lucrative coaching offer, it was for a location in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, where hockey isn’t prominent compared to the other areas of my state. However, I remain fervently willing to extend my expertise and services in Lucknow should the opportunity arise. The pervasive influence of favouritism and lobbying within the sporting landscape of Uttar Pradesh has proven detrimental to the holistic development of sports. Nevertheless, I acknowledge and commend the endeavours undertaken by the current Chief Minister to foster sports, including our national game, hockey.

Ravi: How has the Bronze Medal impacted Indian hockey?

Sujit Kumar: Unfortunately, in Uttar Pradesh, the impact hasn’t been significant due to the predominantly underprivileged background of talented individuals. Unlike Punjab and Haryana, where parents have better financial means to support their children’s sporting endeavours, many in Uttar Pradesh need help to afford such opportunities. In response, we established the K.D. Singh Babu society is dedicated to nurturing talent from a young age. We invest Rs 80 lakhs annually to organize the Under 14 championship for both boys and girls, with an additional Rs two lakhs for the state-level championship to groom future players. I take immense pride in noting that four players from our state have successfully been pro-beneficiaries of the K.D. Singh Babu Society scheme to represent India on the international stage.