Archive · 24 Dec 2025
Vivek Lakra's Journey to Hockey India League
Vivek Lakra is an 18-year-old hockey player from Sundergarh, Odisha.
He started playing hockey in 2016, even though he initially preferred football and cricket.
His father, a big hockey fan, introduced him to the sport.
Vivek faced many challenges, like borrowing old hockey kits from seniors to practice.
Despite these difficulties, he worked hard and became a skilled goalkeeper.
Recently, he was picked by the Shrachi Bengal Warriors in the Hockey India League auction for Rs 23 lakh, which is a huge amount for a junior player.
Vivek is excited to learn from experienced goalkeepers and play in the HIL.
His journey shows that with hard work and dedication, one can achieve great things.
Vivek Lakra, an 18-year-old from Sundergarh, Odisha, was introduced to hockey by his father.
He faced financial constraints and initially borrowed hockey kits from seniors to practice.
Lakra was picked by Shrachi Bengal Warriors for Rs 23 lakh in the Hockey India League auction.
He draws inspiration from legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and aims to learn from experienced players.
The Hockey India League will start on January 3, 2024, with matches in various cities.
- Who
- Vivek Lakra, an 18-year-old hockey player from Sundergarh, Odisha.
- What
- Vivek Lakra's journey from borrowing hockey kits to becoming the costliest junior player in the Hockey India League (HIL).
- When
- The HIL will start on January 3, 2024.
- Where
- Sundergarh, Odisha, and the HIL matches will be held in various cities, starting in Chennai.
- Why
- Vivek Lakra's talent and dedication led to his selection in the HIL, providing an opportunity to learn from experienced goalkeepers.
- Name
- Vivek Lakra
- Age
- 18
- Hometown
- Sundergarh, Odisha
- Team
- Shrachi Bengal Warriors
- Auction Price
- Rs 23 lakh
- Base Price
- Rs 2 lakh
- Inspiration
- PR Sreejesh
- First Hockey Year
- 2016