Indian men’s hockey team striker Abhishek has publicly expressed his admiration for Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, crediting the global icon as a major influence on his playing style and mindset. In a recent interview with PTI Bhasha, Abhishek shared how Ronaldo’s discipline, positioning, and scoring techniques have shaped his own approach to hockey.
“My childhood coach Shamsher Dahiya was a fan of Lionel Messi and wanted me to play like him,” Abhishek said. “But I’ve always been drawn to Ronaldo. I watch all his matches and learn about scoring, positioning, timing, and shooting from him. Both football and hockey are team sports that demand endurance and precision—Ronaldo inspires me in all of that”.
Abhishek’s admiration for Ronaldo comes amid a stellar phase in his own career. He played a pivotal role in India’s recent triumph at the Asia Cup held in Rajgir, Bihar, where the team defeated defending champions South Korea 4–1 in the final. Abhishek scored six goals during the tournament and was named Player of the Tournament.
The 26-year-old striker, who has netted 48 goals in 113 international matches, also reflected on his journey into hockey. Inspired by his brother Ashish and a childhood friend, Abhishek first picked up a hockey stick at a young age. Despite suffering a wrist injury that initially led his parents to discourage him from playing, his coach convinced them to support his passion.
Among Indian athletes, Abhishek cites former captain Sardar Singh as a key influence. “I started playing hockey after watching Sardar Singh, though I never got the chance to play alongside him as he retired before I joined the national team,” he said.
Currently posted as a senior manager at Punjab National Bank, Abhishek is focused on helping India end its 50-year drought at the Hockey World Cup. “We’ve defeated top teams. Now we need consistency and better finishing inside the circle. I want to see the golden era of Indian hockey return,” he added.
Following his bronze medal win at the Paris Olympics and gold at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, Abhishek’s next goal is to secure a World Cup title and an Olympic gold. For now, he celebrates victories quietly—by spending time with family, which he calls “the biggest celebration”.
