Hockey to cricket: Rudraditya highlights changing landscape of Indian sports

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Major Dhyan Chand’s great grandson Rudraditya Singh isn’t playing hockey. He is a cricketer in Jhansi. With MS Dhoni being his idol, this young man is a wicket-keeping batter and is already nourishing the dream of becoming a big time player.

Rudraditya Singh’s grandfather, Ashok Kumar, a former Indian hockey captain and Olympian, initially encouraged him to follow the family tradition by taking up hockey.

However, recognising Rudraditya’s strong passion for cricket, Ashok Kumar quickly gave his wholehearted approval for his grandson’s choice. “I get my support from Dadu all the time,” said 12-year-old Rudraditya.

With such a rich sporting heritage backing him, Rudraditya’s journey in cricket is poised to be both unique and inspiring.

The shift from hockey to cricket in the family of Major Dhyan Chand, India’s greatest hockey legend, indeed highlights the changing landscape of Indian sports. While it may seem like a loss for hockey, the potential inclusion of cricket in the Olympics could change the narrative, possibly giving cricket a more global and prestigious platform that hockey once enjoyed in India.

Historically, hockey was India’s premier sport, with legends like Dhyan Chand leading the country to unparalleled success in the Olympics. It was hockey players who first enjoyed the perks of fame, including being among the first athletes to afford luxuries like cars.

However, over the decades, cricket has surged ahead, becoming almost a religion in India, overshadowing hockey both in terms of popularity and financial rewards. Today, Indian cricket is synonymous with fame, wealth, and global recognition, whereas hockey, despite its rich history, struggles with lesser visibility and support.

Factors such as lack of infrastructure, limited financial incentives, and the overwhelming dominance of cricket have contributed to hockey’s decline. Although India has made strides in hockey with occasional success in international tournaments, the sport has not reclaimed the prominence it once had. The current state of hockey reflects a need for renewed focus on grassroots development, better management, and increased promotion to revitalise the sport.

With the rising interest in sports beyond cricket and initiatives to boost hockey’s profile, there is hope for a resurgence. However, the shadow of cricket’s dominance continues to loom large, especially with the prospect of cricket entering the Olympics, potentially further elevating its status globally.

Rudraditya, one such examples, is already making waves in cricket by competing with players older than his age group. This early display of talent and determination suggests that he has the potential to make a significant impact in the sport. His ability to hold his own in matches with more experienced cricketers is a testament to his skill and passion for the game. The fact that cricket is thriving in a place with such a strong hockey heritage, like Jhansi, shows the sport’s growing influence even in regions traditionally associated with other sports. But at the end of it, cricket needs medal and it has got to be the Olympics medal!