Of India’s finest goalkeepers, Ashish Ballal was born on April 8, 1970 in Mumbai. His schooling was completed at the Frank Andiony’s Public School, Bangalore and St. Joseph Indian High School, Bangalore.
While pursuing his further studies at St. Joseph College, he was given the sports scholarship. After finishing his education he joined Indian Airlines. Ashish Ballal’s international career in hockey started in 1987 at the age of 17.
He remained a member of the Indian hockey team between 1988 and 1994. He got a lot of fame in the final against South Korea when he saved two crucial penalties.
In 1996, his performance in the Champions Trophy was praiseworthy and he was adjudged the best goalkeeper. He was also a member- of the Indian team which played at the Olympic Games at Barcelona in 1992 and the World Cup at Lahore in 1990. He got the Arjuna Award in 1997 for his valuable contribution to hockey. He played over 300 international matches, the only goalkeeper with such a record.