UP Rudras prepare for Hockey India League with focus on development and Olympic goals

The UP Rudras hockey team is preparing for the Hockey India League (HIL) starting December 28. Captain Hardik Singh, forward Lalit Upadhyay, and defender Shardanand Tiwari shared their excitement and insights on their Olympic experiences and strategies for the upcoming league. Lalit Upadhyay highlighted the financial improvements for athletes, noting significant rewards after recent competitions. He emphasized that HIL will help junior players learn to make decisions under pressure by playing alongside experienced teammates. Defender Shardanand Tiwari mentioned that their coach is focusing on long-term goals, specifically the 2028 Olympics. Yadu Sports, the team's owner, announced plans to develop a home ground in Lucknow for future HIL matches.