How Young Defender Amir Ali Overcame Insurmountable Odds to Break into the Indian Team!

It’s not an ‘uncommon sight’ in India to see hockey players belonging to economically disadvantaged families ‘rising above the odds stacked against them’ and realizing their goal of playing for the country and subsequently dazzling on the pitch wearing the national jersey. The story of deep defender Amir Ali is no different.

Read Aggressive Bidding for Top Drag-Flickers Stole the Show in Hockey India League Auctions

Born in a family where making ends meet has always been a challenge, Amir never allowed the economic hardships come in the way of his biggest passion – playing hockey. Son of a motorcycle mechanic, Amir saw his father Tasavaur Ali slog day in day out to run the family. But the Lucknow lad swatted aside all those economic hardships and steadfastly focused on his hockey. The youngster picked up hockey at the age of 10 at the KD Singh Babu Stadium, Lucknow under the watchful eyes of senior Sports Authority of India (SAI) coach Rashid Aziz Khan (then stationed at SAI, Lucknow).

Amir honed his skills under Khan from 2008 to 2012 before he moved to the Major Dhyan Chand Sports College, Saifai. The youngster was back at SAI, Lucknow training under Rashid Aziz Khan from 2018 to 2020 until he he broke into the national junior camp – he made his Indian junior debut at the 2022 Sultan of Johor Cup at Johor Bahru, where India won the gold.

Read Former Indian forward Gavin Ferreira Relives Moments of 1998 India-Germany Men’s Four Test Series

Amir was also part of the Indian junior team that won the 2023 Junior Asia Cup – this is the third time that Amir is in the Indian team for the Sultan of Johor Cup – he had also featured in the 2023 edition where India won the bronze. “Amir is an introvert, shy lad but extremely hardworking. He is hugely passionate about playing for the country and used to be one of the fittest boys in my training group,” recounts Amir’s childhood coach Rashid Aziz Khan in an exclusive chat with Hockey Passion.

The senior retired SAI coach spoke highly of Amir’s defending skills. “Amir has strong ball recovery skills – if he is beaten in defence he will make sure he would retrieve possession in no time. Another great attribute of Amit is that he is quick on the ball and does not hold the ball for long,” reveals Khan.

Amir Ali with childhood coach Rashid Aziz Khan

Read How Jugraj Singh Fast-Tracked His Journey from Domestic Circuit to the National Team

Amir’s childhood coach believes his ward can be deployed anywhere on the pitch. “He started off as a left-half and gradually was entrusted with the responsibility of manning the defence. Modern hockey demands every player to adapt to each position and Amit would grow into a better player once he has more international exposure. With confidence of playing international hockey, Amir would be a good investment for Indian hockey,” quips Khan.

Read What’s the ‘Club Road’ Ahead for Great Britain Men’s Hockey Star Nicholas Bandurak?

Hockey runs in the Ali menage – his younger brother lives his passion through hockey. “Amir’s younger brother Shahrukh Khan is also a talented junior hockey player and currently plays in the under-14 level,” says Khan.

Read All You Want to Know About Revived Hockey India League

Amir is yet to land a permanent job but is currently on a stipend from Indian Oil. “Amir is engaging with Northern Railways and Uttar Pradesh Police. Northern Railways has also evinced interest in him. Getting a permanent job would ease the financial hardships of the family,” Khan wraps up Khan on a sanguine note.