Krishan Pathak: The rising star set to replace PR Sreejesh
What's the story
Krishan Pathak, a promising talent in Indian men's hockey team, is poised to succeed veteran PR Sreejesh.
This transition comes after Sreejesh's instrumental role in securing back-to-back bronze medals for India at the Olympics and announcing his retirement from international hockey.
Now, all eyes are on Pathak as he prepares to fill these significant shoes and continue India's winning streak in international hockey.
Here are further details.
Beginnings
Pathak's early life and introduction to hockey
Born on April 24, 1997, in Kapurthala, Pathak had a tough childhood with his mother passing away at the age of 12.
His father Tek Bahadur Pathak, migrated from Nepal to Punjab in 1990 and worked as a crane operator until he passed away due to a heart attack in 2016.
He joined the Jalandhar Sports Academy at age 12 because of his father's insistence, despite not being very interested in sports.
Career progression
Pathak's journey to the Indian hockey team
Pathak's talent was further honed at the Jalandhar Sports Academy, where he trained under coach Gurminder Singh.
His dedication and skill earned him a place in the junior national team in 2014.
Two years later, he was part of the squad that clinched gold at the Junior Asia Cup in Malaysia.
This victory marked a significant milestone in his career and paved his way into senior hockey.
Senior debut
Pathak's debut and achievements in senior hockey
Pathak made his senior team debut in 2018 during the Four Nations Invitational Tournament in New Zealand.
He was also part of the Indian team that won bronze at the 2018 Asian Games and silver at the Champions Trophy.
Despite being a reserve goalkeeper for most matches, Pathak has managed to make a significant impact with his performances.
The keeper has won the Hockey India Baljit Singh Award For Goalkeeper Of The Year, twice in 2019 and 2022.
Olympic Triumph
Pathak has been a part of two Olympics
Pathak was the reserve goalkeeper in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where the Indian hockey contingent won a historic bronze.
He was again named the reserve keeper supporting Sreejesh at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In Pool B, India defeated Australia after 52 years at the Olympics.
In the final, Harmanpreet Singh-led India defended the Tokyo bronze medal by defeating Spain 2-1.
Career
Major career milestones by Pathak
Krishan Pathak has 125 international caps to his name. He was awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2023.
He has won one gold and one bronze at the Asian Games. He also won the Commonwealth Games silver medal.
Additionally, the 27-year-old keeper has been a part of the Indian hockey team in two consecutive World Cups where India finished sixth in 2018 and 9th in 2023.