“My pupils will one day play at the Olympics”

I was a typical girl from an impoverished farming family – the kind that’s so common in Jharkhand’s rural areas. We couldn’t even afford a hockey stick.

But if you’d seen me then, you’d have noticed the big dreams in my eyes.

At the age of twelve I made my own hockey sticks – from bamboo or whatever wood was available in the forests.

Naturally, my parents didn’t show any interest. My grandmother was opposed to the idea of a woman playing hockey and running about in the field. After all, girls are supposed to marry and help in household chores.

But in my village in the Khunti district of Jharkhand, many girls played hockey. As I watched them expertly wield their sticks, I wanted to learn.

I noticed what they were wearing. Their sports jersey caught my fancy, because it was so different from what we usually wear.

It was exhilarating.

Despite my parents’ lack of interest and our family’s poor economic condition, I persisted with my practice. Savitri Purty – you know, who rose to lead the Indian team despite her financial hardships – she was my inspiration.

Imagine my happiness when I was selected to play at the national level. I was so elated.

I represented the state of Bihar in the 1990s since Khunti, which is in Jharkhand now, was part of undivided Bihar back then.

Today I teach hockey.

It was a moment of pride when I was selected to coach young children, especially at this very centre where I trained years ago. I teach aspiring players at the Bariatu Hockey Training Centre in Ranchi, thanks to the support of the Jharkhand government.

There are about 30 Adivasi girls, many of whom play at the national level.

It’s a gruelling practice schedule, starting at 5.30 in the morning and again at three in the afternoon. But they all come.

Most are from a similar background as me.

See that girl, Binima Dhan, over there? She used to play with bamboo sticks – just like me – and bael fruits for balls. And there’s Balo Horo, who lost her father, and played with borrowed sticks.

I feel proud that I’m able to pass on my knowledge and help them fulfil their dreams.

I never dreamed hockey would get me a job.

Back then, we had no idea that Indian women’s hockey would come this far during our lifetime. It’s a huge accomplishment for a rural girl, like me, to have come this far.

After India’s outstanding performance at the Olympics some families who weren’t supportive earlier want their children to learn hockey now.

Awareness has improved, but not the financial condition of the girls who train here. One of the girls, Monika Nag, was so overjoyed when her father gifted her a stick.

I’m sure my girls will one day represent India at international levels.

Maybe even the Olympics. 

Reporting by Deepanwita Gita Niyogi, a Delhi-based journalist.

Photos by Teerth Nath Akash.