Indian junior women's hockey team: from neglected warriors to World Cup bronze medallists

Indian junior women’s hockey team and the support staff with the Bronze medal after returning home

The unprecedented podium finish by India’s junior women’s hockey team at the World Cup is simply glorious. It shows the exemplary courage exhibited by our less privileged girls. And exemplary is the coverage given by the media. They truly deserve this hearty welcome.

And why not, this achievement was a result of the sweat and toil of the Indian junior hockey team, their coach, the management, Hockey India, and of course, the unparalleled support extended by the families.

The result of all those efforts is this bronze medal which these girls are seen holding proudly. The girls got it after defeating England in Monchengladbach, Germany.

The statement given by Rani Rampal, the winner of the ‘player of the tournament’ award, fully explains the mental state of Team India. A joyous Rani exclaimed that their self-confidence grew to a new height after defeating Spain in the quarter-finals.

Before playing the match against England, they spoke to each other and remembered the inspiring speech given by Shahrukh Khan in the Bollywood movie, Chak De India, wherein he had said, “these 70 minutes are the most vital in our life and we have to put everything in it”. According to Rani, the team got motivated and thought they could also change the world and give their best. What a wonderful spirit and dedication they showed!

The most heartening factor is that most of them belong to a less privileged background. They have scaled these heights through their skills and hard work. Their achievements are even more remarkable considering limited infrastructure for women’s hockey in India.

Another good news is that their achievements have been recognized by various organizations. Hockey India is going to facilitate them with individual awards and cash prizes today. Ultimately, one bronze medal has lit up their life more than a gold. But, lest we forget, shouldn’t this support have come earlier?

In my opinion, all this should have come beforehand. Many of us were not even aware that our team had gone to play in this tournament.

Much more efforts need to be taken to ensure fans’ support for the hardworking athletes. However, it is always better late than never. They have ultimately got that much deserved star status.

Nobody was there to see off the team when it left the country. However, according to coach Narinder Singh Saini, the team has not got a minute’s rest since coming back; not due to practice, but due to the immense media coverage, fans’ support and interaction with the administrators.

Keep it up girls, we are proud of you!