Sahil Kumar Nayak

About Sahil Kumar Nayak

Born in Cuttack, Odisha, Sahil Kumar Nayak has made his name in the field of hockey with sheer hard work. He credits his success to his family, who have supported young Sahil’s ambitions and dreams from the very beginning.

Getting a chance to join the Sports Hostel located in Sundargarh changed Sahil’s life since he got to attend sessions that included training from famed coach K. C. Choudhury. It was during this time that Sahil got trained as a goalkeeper which requires specific skills, focus, and complete discipline. This training became the foundation that Sahil needed to make it to the big leagues.

Playing for Odisha, Sahil Kumar Nayak became a vital asset to the team right from the start, as he remained calm and composed under pressure and showcased his talents whenever required. In 2017, he helped the Hockey Odisha team achieve a hattrick of titles by winning the 7th Hockey India Junior Men National Championship (Division-A) held in Bhopal for the third consecutive time. He once again helped the team grab the gold medal at the 9th edition of the same championship in 2019. His ability to perform consistently even when the stakes were high helped his team win a bronze medal with the Odisha U-21 team at the third Khelo India Youth Games that took place in Guwahati in 2020 as well.

Sahil Kumar Nayak was also able to bring home a gold medal while representing India at the 5th Asian Schools Boys (U-18) Hockey Championship in Bhopal. That competition turned out to be his maiden international win as it was his first time participating in a global competition. He continues to bring his A-game to the Indian Hockey League as goalkeeper for the Kalinga Lancers.  

Hockey is for Sahil, not simply a game but also a way for him to support his community. To him, every single block, every single goal saved is an occasion for him to pay back the faith of the people who supported him in his journey.

Sahil Kumar Nayak’s story is one that is filled with determination and a fierce passion to not only score a goal on the field but protect the goal off the field as well. While his professional career takes off, he is a fine example of how sports can encourage the most beautiful of dreams.