Lucknow, Jan. 17 -- Ayaz is just 10, but he runs through the left flank like a well-oiled machine, mesmerising everyone with his pace and free-flowing stickwork. A favourite among nearly 50 young hockey players, including girls, Ayaz skillfully dodges defenders in the hockey field. On his first day at the CB Gupt Khel Maiden, where KD Singh Babu Hockey Society has been running a hockey training centre since 1979, Ayaz, then 7, was sporting his favourite orange colour T-shirt, and impressed everyone with his skills with the hockey stick. Ayaz isn't the only member of his family playing hockey here. His elder brother Riyaz too trains alongside him. "Even at this age, Ayaz has been a special talent and within three years of training, the boy has improved a lot. We are hopeful to see him representing India in future," said Khursheed, a former hockey player and senior functionary of the KD Singh Babu Hockey Society on Friday. In fact, both Ayaz and Riyaz have got hockey in their veins. Their cousins Amir Ali and Shahrukh Ali have earned laurels in domestic as well as international events. The two brothers honed their skills at the society's ground under coach Rashid Aziz Khan. Amir Ali, son of a bike mechanic, debuted for India senior team in the 2023-24 FIH Pro League, and led juniors to gold at the 2022 Sultan of Johor Cup and 2023 Junior Asia Cup. Whereas Shahrukh Ali, a dynamic forward, exploded with hat-tricks in national sub-junior finals, powering Uttar Pradesh to titles in the 2025 HI Sub-Junior Men's Championship (four goals vs Delhi) and victories over Jharkhand. "Hockey isn't only a sport, but a way of life in Lucknow. It's the most popular sport in the state capital and is known for greats like Major Dhyan Chand and KD Singh Babu etc," said ex-SAI coach Rashid, who looked after the Sports Authority of India's day boarding scheme at this venue for more than 10 years till 2018. Khan, who also coached junior India captain Shardanand Tewari, said over a dozen players from this training facility have so far played for India or attended India camps. Most players come from poor families with the hope of making it big and securing jobs. For them the sport brings them several opportunities. "It's free for everyone at the KD Singh Babu Hockey Society as fans, former hockey players and even some supporters, extend financial help to the players. There is no direct support of any government or any other organisations to the players or the society," he added. The KD Singh Babu Hockey Society was formed by Babu's admirers and continues to carry forward his vision by training young boys and girls aged 10-14, organising coaching camps, and hosting district, state, and national tournaments. Its teams continue to excel, recently clinching the district-level women's hockey title in 2025 by defeating Veer Shivaji Hockey Academy 2-1 in the final at KD Singh Babu Stadium. The society's ground remains a hub for Lucknow's aspiring players, fostering discipline and skill amid Babu's legacy of team-first hockey....