Hockey
Amir Ali is excited to play in HIL alongside his idol Manpreet Singh
Bagged by Team Gonasika in HIL, Amir Ali has come a long way from walking 10km to watch the league to playing it now.
The Indian junior men's hockey team captain Amir Ali is excited about the upcoming Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 season.
And he has every reason to be excited.
Coming from humble beginnings and son of a bike mechanic from Lucknow, Amir was bagged by Team Gonasika for a remarkable amount of Rs 34 lakhs at the HIL auction.
The 20-year-old shares an interesting connection with HIL dating back to his childhood.
He shared how, as a young boy, he walked 10 kilometers just to watch his idol, Manpreet Singh, play a HIL match in Lucknow. Now, life has come full circle for Amir as he has not only earned his place in the same prestigious league but will also play alongside his idol Manpreet Singh in Team Gonasika.
“To think that I once went to watch HIL matches, and now I’ll be playing in them, is a very special feeling. My parents are proud, and that gives me immense joy,” he said. I am very excited to play alongside my idol Manpreet Singh and look forward to learning from him and giving my best under his guidance,” he added.
He balanced helping his father after school with pursuing his passion for hockey attending coaching sessions alongside his work. His journey from working as a part-time mechanic to captaining the Indian junior team in major international tournaments highlights the perseverance and dedication that define his career.
Reflecting on his journey and what inspired him to become a hockey player, Amir revealed, “During my teenage years, I felt embarrassed by my father’s job as a bike mechanic because I wasn’t mature enough to realize that no work is insignificant. But it was our family’s struggles that pushed me to pursue my dreams in hockey. I wanted to change our financial situation and make my family and country proud. That desire became my greatest motivation to succeed as a hockey player.”
“Now, whatever I earn from playing hockey, I send it to my father because I don’t want him to face any difficulties. My goal is to support him in every way I can and knowing that it brings him happiness is what truly fulfills me,” he further added.
Notably, Amir, who is a defender, recently led the Indian Team to the Junior Asia Cup title win against Pakistan in Oman.
