Virat Kohli praises fitness standards of Indian hockey players

By  News On Air   May 20, 2026

Senior Indian Cricketer and legendary batter Virat Kohli has praised the fitness standards of Indian Hockey players, calling it a recognition of the sport’s demands and dedication. Virat Kohli said this during the third edition of the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit yesterday. Kohli said, Cricket is in such prime focus in our country that we often overlook other sports. He further said that Cricketers are not even 15 per cent of the fitness of an Indian hockey player. 

Hockey India, in a statement, said that Virat Kohli’s comments have resonated deeply within the Indian hockey fraternity, with players viewing the praise not just as a compliment, but as recognition of the relentless work and discipline demanded by modern hockey.

Reacting to Kohli’s comments, Indian Men’s Hockey Captain Harmanpreet Singh recalled a recent interaction with the cricket icon and said his words carried great significance for the sport. Veteran hockey player Manpreet Singh and midfielder Hardik Singh echoed similar sentiments.