Fourteen-year-old prodigy Ketan Kushwaha from Jhansi etched his name in Uttar Pradesh's hockey history by leading the national Under-18 men's team to a resounding 4-1 victory over hosts Japan in the Asia Cup final on Friday. The forward, who also scored in the title clash, emerged as one of the tournament's standout performers, bringing immense pride to Jhansi, the city synonymous with hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.
Rise from Humble Beginnings
Ketan's extraordinary journey from the narrow lanes of Bara Bazar to captaining India on the continental stage has sparked celebrations across the city. Residents eagerly await his return on Monday. Living a modest life in the old city's Bara Bazar area, Ketan is the youngest among three brothers and a sister. His father, Dilip, works as an electrician, while his mother is a homemaker.
Early Training and Recognition
According to his coach, Subodh Khandekar, a former international hockey player who has mentored young talent for years and recently retired from Indian Railways, Ketan joined the Indian Hockey League at age 13, becoming the youngest player ever inducted. He later played for Bengal. Khandekar recalled that Ketan began attending hockey camp at Laxmi Vyam Mandir about seven years ago, when he was just eight. Initially, he was very lean, thin, and short. Though he had exceptional natural hockey skills from the beginning, he gradually gained height as he grew older, Khandekar said.
Ketan's talent came to light while representing Jhansi in the Under-12 KD Singh Babu Tournament in Lucknow, where national-level coaches noticed him. He was subsequently admitted to the Lucknow Sports Hostel. Both of his elder brothers are also accomplished hockey players; his second brother, Rohit, currently plays at the Varanasi Sports Hostel.
Family Pride and City Celebrations
Speaking to TOI, his father Dilip said, It is a matter of pride for me and the entire city. I have no words to express my happiness. The victory has sparked widespread celebrations in Jhansi, with residents hailing Ketan as the next Dhyan Chand. The young captain's leadership and goal-scoring ability have drawn praise from hockey enthusiasts across the country.
