Rajgir (Bihar) [India], August 31 (ANI): Hockey India on Sunday congratulated Indian Men’s Hockey Team goalkeeper Krishan B Pathak on finishing the milestone of 150 worldwide caps.
The 28-year-old, who hails from Kapurthala, Punjab, achieved this outstanding feat throughout India’s second match of the continuing Hero Men’s Asia Cup Rajgir, Bihar 2025, towards Japan on the Rajgir Hockey Stadium, as per a launch from Hockey India.
India started their marketing campaign with an exciting 4-3 win over China, using on a hat-trick by Captain Harmanpreet Singh and a aim from Jugraj Singh, and are actually aiming to construct on their profitable momentum.
Pathak, recognized for his agility and consistency beneath the bar, first rose to prominence as a part of the Gold medal-winning Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team on the FIH Junior World Cup 2016 in Lucknow.
He made his senior debut towards Japan on the Four-Nations Tournament in January 2018 and shortly cemented his place within the squad. Since then, he has been a part of a number of of India’s most celebrated triumphs, together with the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy (Joint Gold with Pakistan), the 2022 Asian Games Gold in Hangzhou, and back-to-back Asian Champions Trophy titles in 2023 and 2024.
His particular person brilliance has additionally been broadly recognised–he is a two-time recipient of the Hockey India Baljit Singh Award for Goalkeeper of the Year (2019, 2022) and was honoured with the distinguished Arjuna Award in 2024.
Pathak grew to become a mainstay in India’s defence throughout the FIH Men’s Hockey Pro League 2020/21 and 2021/22, the place his key saves secured India a podium end. He was additionally a part of India’s squad which gained Silver medal on the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and took part on the FIH Odisha Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023 in Bhubaneswar-Rourkela. Following the retirement of legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Pathak has been India’s trusted first-choice goalkeeper.
Krishan B Pathak, reflecting on his milestone, mentioned, ‘It is a really particular second for me and my household. To symbolize India 150 occasions is a dream I might by no means have imagined once I first began enjoying hockey in Kapurthala. Every cap is a matter of satisfaction, however this milestone feels further particular as a result of it comes throughout such an necessary event for us. I’m grateful to my coaches, teammates, and everybody at Hockey India who believed in me and supported me all through my journey. My focus now’s to maintain contributing to the workforce’s success and encourage the subsequent technology of goalkeepers in India.’
Congratulating Pathak, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey mentioned, ‘Krishan has been one of many pillars of Indian hockey lately. Goalkeeping is a demanding function, and he has constantly delivered on the largest levels. His journey from the Junior World Cup in 2016 to turning into India’s first-choice goalkeeper is an inspiring story for each younger athlete. On behalf of Hockey India, I congratulate him on reaching 150 worldwide caps and need him many extra milestones within the years to return.’
Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh added, ‘We are extraordinarily pleased with Krishan’s achievements. He has proven super dedication, resilience, and fervour for the game. His performances have performed a giant half in India’s success lately, and he continues to be a job mannequin for aspiring gamers. Reaching 150 caps isn’t just a private milestone but additionally a testomony to his contribution to Indian hockey.’ (ANI)