Amir Ali can be called a discovery after the junior national hockey team clinched the Junior Asia Cup. The 20-year-old defender who has idolized senior Indian defender Manpreet Singh feels excited to debut in the forthcoming Hockey India League (HIL) this season. 

The captain of the Indian junior team has been bagged by Team Gonasika for Rs 34 lakh at the auction. 

When asked about his reaction to his debut in the HIL, Amir remembered while speaking to the media, revealing that as a young boy, he walked 10 kilometers to watch his idol, Manpreet Singh, play in his HIL match in Lucknow. Now, life has come full circle for Amir as he has not only earned his place in the same prestigious league but will also play alongside his idol, Manpreet Singh, in Team Gonasika.

Amir was born and born in Lucknow. He is the son of a bike mechanic. He balanced helping his father after school with pursuing his passion for hockey, attending coaching sessions alongside his work. His journey from working as a part-time mechanic to captaining the Indian junior team in major international tournaments highlights the perseverance and dedication that define his career.

Reflecting on his journey and what inspired him to become a hockey player, Amir revealed, “During my teenage years, I felt embarrassed by my father’s job as a bike mechanic because I wasn’t mature enough to realize that no work is insignificant."

He continued, "But it was our family’s struggles that pushed me to pursue my dreams in hockey. I wanted to change our financial situation and make my family and country proud. That desire became my greatest motivation to succeed as a hockey player."

“Now, whatever I earn from playing hockey, I send it to my father because I don’t want him to face any difficulties. My goal is to support him in every way I can and knowing that it brings him happiness is what truly fulfills me," he added.