Ashish Tani Purti, a 15-year-old hockey prodigy from Jharkhand, has emerged as the only member of his hockey-loving family to represent India. His relatives, including aunts, uncles, and his younger sister, all play hockey, but Purti is the first to don the national jersey. “It’s like being the torch-bearer of the family, not that they want me to earn money, but only wish to watch me play for the nation,” said the shy teenager, who was the top scorer for the Indian colts in their gold medal-winning campaign at the U-18 Asia Cup.
From Humble Beginnings to National Spotlight
Growing up in a plastic-roofed home in Khunti block, Jharkhand, Purti’s parents earn a living by sharpening farming tools. Despite modest means, his talent on the hockey field has made him a beacon of hope. “All I can do is play hockey. You give me a book to read, I will sleep. You ask me to read something about hockey, I would end up reading it in no time,” he said with a smile. His younger sister has also taken up the sport, but Purti is the family’s “blue-eyed boy” now.
Key Role in U-18 Asia Cup Triumph
Purti scored 13 goals in the tournament, including hat-tricks against Pakistan and hosts Japan. In the semifinal against Pakistan, he scored four goals (12th, 49th, 53rd, 56th minutes) to lead a last-quarter comeback from 2-3 down to a 5-3 win. In the final against Japan, his three goals powered India to a 4-1 victory. “My only aim is to work hard under discipline. Even during the matches, I don’t think anything beyond the team’s win and my contribution,” he added.
Master of Positionless Hockey
Purti is a proponent of positionless tactics, a modern approach that requires players to adapt across roles. “With every team having video analysts and scientific inputs, it’s not possible to play on only one particular position. The opposition would end up trapping you, if one continues to play a specific role,” he explained. Starting as a defender, he evolved into a midfielder, and now also plays as a defensive striker and takes penalty corners. “I just want to make myself available for the team,” he said.
Preparing for AHF Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship
Currently at Panjab University grounds in Chandigarh with the U-18 squad for a preparatory camp for the AHF Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship, Purti is focused on staying fit and disciplined. When asked how the team celebrated the Asia Cup win, he said, “After attending the post-match interaction with the coaches, we just danced…nothing else. This group is very serious when it comes to hockey.”
Future Aspirations
Tagged as the future of Indian hockey, Purti remains grounded. His only goal is to continue working hard and eventually play for the senior national team. “My only aim is to work hard under discipline,” he reiterated, embodying the dedication that has made him a rising star in Indian hockey.
