Hockey India extended congratulations to Krishnan B. Pathak, the Indian men’s hockey team goalkeeper, on achieving the remarkable milestone of 150 international matches. Pathak, a 28-year-old from Kapurthala, Punjab, reached this landmark during the India versus Japan match at the Hero Men’s Asia Cup Rajgir 2025, held at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar.
India commenced their campaign with an exciting 4-3 victory against China, featuring a hat-trick by captain Harmanpreet Singh and a goal from Jugraj Singh. The team aims to maintain this winning momentum.
Dr. Dilip Tirkey, the President of Hockey India, remarked that Pathak has been a cornerstone of Indian hockey in recent years. He highlighted the demanding nature of goalkeeping and Pathak’s consistent outstanding performances on major stages. Tirkey noted that Pathak’s journey, from the 2016 Junior World Cup to becoming India’s first-choice goalkeeper, is an inspiration for young players. He offered his congratulations to Pathak on completing 150 international matches and wished him a bright future.
Bhola Nath Singh, the Secretary General of Hockey India, expressed immense pride in Pathak’s accomplishments, noting his exceptional dedication, patience, and passion for the sport. He emphasized that Pathak’s performances have significantly contributed to India’s successes in recent years, serving as a role model for aspiring players. Singh stated that reaching 150 matches is not just a personal milestone but also a testament to his contributions to Indian hockey.
Reacting to his milestone, Krishnan B. Pathak stated that it’s a special moment for him and his family. Representing India 150 times was a dream he never envisioned when he started playing hockey in Kapurthala. While every match is a source of pride, this milestone is particularly significant as it occurred during such an important tournament. He expressed gratitude to his coaches, teammates, and Hockey India for their unwavering support. Pathak’s focus remains on contributing to the team’s success and inspiring the next generation of Indian goalkeepers.
Pathak is recognized for his agility and consistency in goal. He gained prominence by being part of the Indian junior team that won the gold medal at the FIH Junior World Cup in Lucknow in 2016. He made his senior team debut in a Four-Nations tournament against Japan in January 2018 and swiftly secured his place in the team. Since then, he has been a part of several historic victories for India, including the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy (joint gold with Pakistan), the gold medal at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, and consecutive Asian Champions Trophy titles in 2023 and 2024.
During the FIH Men’s Hockey Pro League seasons of 2020/21 and 2021/22, Pathak was a crucial element in India’s defense, with his remarkable saves leading India to podium finishes. He was also part of the Indian team that won the silver medal at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and played in the FIH Odisha Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023 in Bhubaneswar-Rourkela. Following the retirement of the great goalkeeper PR Sreejesh after the Paris 2024 Olympics, Pathak has become India’s trusted first-choice goalkeeper.