Talem Priyo Barta gears up for Junior Men's Asia Cup

Manipur's rising hockey talent, 20-year-old defender Talem Priyo Barta, is all set to make his India debut at the Junior Men's Asia Cup in Oman later this month. A key player in the UP Rudras squad for the upcoming Hockey India League (HIL), Talem is eager to seize this opportunity, not just to shine on the junior stage but also to prepare for a future senior debut.
In a conversation ahead of the tournament, Talem shared his excitement about representing India, his aspirations for the team, and how his home state has fueled his journey in hockey.
How excited are you to represent India at the Junior Men's Asia Cup?
Representing India on an international stage is an incredible honor. It’s a dream come true for me since I first picked up a hockey stick as a child. Wearing the Indian jersey isn’t just a personal achievement; it’s a tribute to the hard work of my coaches, family, and teammates who’ve supported me throughout this journey. I’m fully focused on giving my best for the team and making this debut memorable.
India has won the Junior Men's Asia Cup four times. How confident are you about achieving a fifth title?
This tournament is an important milestone for the entire squad. It provides invaluable experience and exposure, which will not only help us here but also prepare us for bigger challenges, such as the FIH Junior Hockey World Cup that India is hosting next year. Everyone has been working tirelessly to maintain India’s dominance in hockey, and we aim to make every Indian proud by striving for a fifth title here and a world championship on home soil.
With the Hockey India League (HIL) approaching, how will this tournament help you bond with your UP Rudras teammates like Gurjot, Manmeet, and Shardanand?
Talem: Playing alongside Gurjot, Manmeet, and Shardanand in the Junior Men’s Asia Cup is a perfect opportunity to build on-field chemistry and understand each other’s strengths. Competing in a high-pressure environment will give us a head start in preparation for the HIL season, helping us gel as a team before we don the UP Rudras jersey.
What excites you most about joining the UP Rudras squad? How do you plan to learn from experts like Cedric and Paul Van Ass?
Joining the UP Rudras is an exciting step in my career. Having the guidance of legends like Cedric and Paul Van Ass is a golden opportunity to learn and grow. Cedric’s vast experience with Indian and international hockey, combined with Paul’s global success, will undoubtedly enhance my understanding of elite-level hockey.
My focus will be on refining my defensive tactics, mastering game strategies, and learning to perform under pressure in high-stakes matches. Their mentorship will be instrumental in shaping me into a better player and making UP Rudras a strong contender in the HIL.
Manipur narrowly missed out on third place in the 14th Hockey India Senior Men's National Championship 2024. What do you think drives Manipur’s success in producing top athletes?
Manipur’s success in sports comes from its deep-rooted passion for athletics, a disciplined culture, and the presence of dedicated coaches and facilities. Growing up in such an environment instills resilience and a competitive spirit in young athletes. The unwavering support from the community motivates us to push our limits and achieve excellence.