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Lalit Upadhyay, a striker for the Indian men's hockey team, has overcome adversity to become an Olympic medalist. At 17, his career was derailed by a sting operation that falsely accused him of accepting a bribe. Shaken by the incident, he almost quit hockey."It was a blessing in disguise," Upadhyay said. "It made me mentally stronger. I've forgotten the incident, but it gives me strength when I remember it."Now 30, Upadhyay is a key member of the Indian team that won bronze in Tokyo. He has scored 45 goals in 168 international appearances and is focused on winning a gold medal in Paris."We know expectations are high," he said. "We're confident we can change the color of the medal."India faces a tough challenge in Paris, placed in a pool with New Zealand, Belgium, Australia, Argentina, and Ireland. But Upadhyay is optimistic."Hockey is always changing," he said. "We've been training hard and practicing against top teams like Australia, Germany, and Belgium."Upadhyay credits the team's success to mutual respect, bonding, and unity. "We stayed together for a long time during COVID," he said. "It strengthened our bond and helped us break the jinx in Tokyo."Upadhyay is inspired by hockey legend Mohammed Shahid, who hailed from his hometown of Varanasi. "I'm satisfied with what God has given me," he said. "I hope the legacy of hockey remains intact and the flag of Indian hockey keeps flying high."

Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, the Arjuna awardee and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Uttar Pradesh, is eagerly preparing for his second Olympic Games appearance in Paris this year. The 30-year-old forward for the India men's national field hockey team is determined to make a mark on the world stage once again.Upadhyay's journey to the Olympics has been filled with challenges and triumphs. Hailing from Varanasi, he faced financial constraints that often hindered his pursuit of hockey. However, his passion for the sport and unwavering determination propelled him forward.In 2020, Upadhyay played a pivotal role in India's historic bronze medal victory at the Tokyo Olympics. The achievement brought immense pride and recognition to the team and motivated them to strive for even greater success in Paris.Upadhyay's contributions to Indian hockey extend beyond the Olympics. He was instrumental in securing gold at the 2022 Asian Games in China and medals at the Commonwealth Games and the Men's FIH Hockey World Cup.As the team prepares for the Paris Games, Upadhyay emphasizes the importance of sustaining their efforts and bringing home a gold medal for India. He believes that hockey, being the national game, holds a special place in the hearts of Indians, and the team is committed to delivering their best.Upadhyay's personal life has also seen a significant milestone this year, as he tied the knot with hockey player Diksha Tiwari in April. The couple shares a passion for the sport and supports each other's aspirations.Before heading to Paris, the Indian team will participate in practice matches in Holland. Upadhyay recognizes the significance of this opportunity, as it will provide them with valuable experience and help them fine-tune their strategies.Upadhyay's journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds. He encourages parents to support their children's sporting endeavors and urges the youth to embrace sports with passion and determination.