Om Kumar Yadav, hailing from Rajnandgaon in Chhattisgarh, stands out as the lone player chosen from his state for Hockey India’s U-18 National Coaching Camp in SAI Bhopal. His selection followed an impressive performance at the 16th Hockey India Sub Junior Men National Championship 2026 – Division ‘B’ in Rajgir, Bihar, where he scored six goals. Inspired by his older brothers, Rinku Yadav and Arjun Yadav, who train in Lucknow, Om started playing hockey at the age of six and has been devoted to the sport ever since.
Yadav, expressing admiration for Harmanpreet Singh, the captain of India’s Men’s Hockey team, credits him as his idol. He highlights Singh’s skills on the field, particularly his passing precision and goal-scoring ability, which serve as a source of inspiration. In preparation for the championship, Om honed his abilities at the Khelo India Centre in Bilaspur under the guidance of former Olympian Ajit Lakra, striving to secure a place in the U-18 National Coaching Camp.
Under the mentorship of head coach Sardar Singh, Om aims to excel and earn a spot in the 24-player squad for the U18 Asia Cup Kakamigahara 2026 in Japan. Additionally, he is set to compete against Australia’s U-18 teams, demonstrating his commitment to growth and success in the sport. Reflecting on his experience at the camp, Yadav appreciates the opportunity to learn from Sardar Singh, emphasizing the focus on fundamentals and personal skill enhancement during the training sessions.
Om Kumar Yadav remains dedicated to his aspiration of representing India in hockey, continuously refining his techniques and tactical understanding at the U-18 National Coaching Camp. With a focus on securing a position in the U-18 Indian Men’s hockey team, he aims to make a significant impact, showcasing talent from an unconventional hockey background.
