Bhubaneswar: India has never lacked sporting talent. From remote villages and tribal regions to the international arena, countless athletes have risen through sheer determination and hard work. Sixteen-year-old Armaan Soreng from Odisha’s Sundargarh district is one such rising star whose story is a remarkable testament to perseverance, dedication and the power of dreams.
A few days ago, Armaan returned home with a gold medal after representing India at the 6th Men’s Under-18 Asia Cup Hockey Championship in Japan. He was the only player from Odisha to be selected for the Indian squad, making his achievement a matter of immense pride for his state and community.
Dream born in a mud house
Born in Luthupatra Barpali village under Kesaramal Panchayat in Rajgangpur block of Sundargarh district, Armaan’s childhood was marked by financial hardship. His father Sanjeet Soreng works as a daily wage labourer, while his mother Sunita is a homemaker. Growing up in a family of four siblings in a modest mud house, life was far from easy. Yet poverty never diminished his aspirations. In Sundargarh — widely regarded as the cradle of Indian hockey — Armaan spent his early years playing barefoot with bamboo sticks alongside village friends. His life took a decisive turn when he joined the grassroots training centre at Kesaramal, where he first held a real hockey stick and began formal training.
Nurturing Raw Talent
In 2022, Armaan earned selection to Rourkela sports hostel, laying the foundation for his professional career. Coaches Prafulla Tirkey and Rajan Ekka recognised his natural ability and worked tirelessly to refine his skills. Their guidance, coupled with Armaan’s discipline and commitment, soon propelled him to bigger stages.
Initially, Armaan played as a midfielder. However, during the national training camp in Bhopal this year, former Indian captain and coach Sardar Singh advised him to shift to defence to strengthen the team’s backline.
Armaan embraced the challenge without hesitation and quickly adapted to his new role. Today, he is equally effective in both midfield and defence, demonstrating tactical maturity well beyond his age.
Since joining the sports hostel, he has consistently represented Odisha in National School Games and Sub-Junior National Championships. From leading his team to victory in the East Zone Under-16 Championship in Ranchi in 2023 to winning medals in tournaments held in Guwahati, Gwalior, Rohtak, and Rajgir, he has established himself as both a dependable player and an inspiring captain.
Following his selection to the national camp in 2026, Armaan secured a place in India’s squad for the Under-18 Asia Cup in Japan. India went on to win the gold medal, with Armaan playing a crucial role throughout the tournament.
Reliable & Dependable Performer
Such was the coaching staff’s confidence in him that he remained on the field throughout the 60 minutes in every match and was never rested under the rotation policy.
Reflecting on the tournament, Armaan described the match against Pakistan as the toughest challenge. India trailed 2-3 before staging a remarkable comeback to win 5-3. He also noted that a league-stage defeat to Japan proved to be the turning point, allowing the coaching staff to identify weaknesses through video analysis and make tactical adjustments that ultimately paved the way for India’s championship triumph.
Despite his international success, Armaan’s family continues to face financial challenges. Nevertheless, they remain hopeful that his dedication and achievements will transform their future.
Inspired by Indian hockey star Hardik Singh, Armaan dreams of representing the senior national team and competing in the world’s biggest tournaments, including the Olympics and World Cup.
Armaan’s journey from a humble mud house in a remote tribal village to wearing the Indian jersey on the international stage is a powerful reminder that talent knows no social or economic boundaries.
His story proves that determination, discipline, and unwavering belief can overcome even the toughest circumstances. When hidden gems like Armaan are given an opportunity to shine, they illuminate not only their own future but also inspire an entire generation to dream bigger and aim higher.
