Currently attending the U-18 National Coaching Camp at SAI Bhopal, Nausheen\u2019s rise to the national stage is a testament to her resilience. Her journey is defined by a fierce determination to overcome financial hardship and deep-seated social prejudices.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
For Nausheen, starting hockey was about resourcefulness rather than having the best gear. Inspired by her elder sister, Tahoor Naz, a 10-year-old Nausheen was desperate to play but lacked a hockey stick.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI told my sister I wanted to play, but we didn't have the money for a stick. I found a broken one at the ground and brought it home. I took it to a local blacksmith and used a nail to fix the pieces together so that I could play. I practiced with that repaired stick for a whole year before I finally received a proper one from a day-boarding program,\u201d Nausheen recalls.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Coming from a humble background, Nausheen\u2019s journey was further challenged by financial instability. Her father has worked as a vegetable seller and a truck driver, and currently helps transfer cartons to support the family. Beyond the finances, Nausheen had to fight a social battle in her hometown.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI come from a very poor family, and in my community, few people encouraged girls to play sports. People would say that girls shouldn't step out to play. It became so difficult that I actually stopped playing for two years and helped my father sell vegetables,\u201d she shares.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
It was her mother\u2019s unwavering support that eventually brought her back to the field. \u201cMy mother stood by me. She told my father that he should support his daughter's passion and not listen to what others say. Because of her, I was able to join the Gwalior Women's Hockey Academy and eventually make it to this camp.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Highlighting the importance of the tournament, which is supported by Anandana, the Coca-Cola India Foundation, Nausheen added, \u201cThis competition is a vital platform for young players like us. It gives us the opportunity to showcase our talent and grow in the sport. Playing on this stage has given me the belief that I can achieve my dreams if I keep working hard.\u201d <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Now training under the guidance of former Indian Captain Rani Rampal at the Bhopal camp, Nausheen is focused on perfecting the basics. For a girl who has often had to borrow shoes from teammates when her own wore out, training with her idol is a life-changing experience.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI have learned so much from Rani ma\u2019am. She explains things so clearly\u2014like how to stop the ball properly while on the run and how to keep it hard on the move. I want to become like her; she has played at the highest level and knows exactly what we need to reach the next step,\u201d says the young striker.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Now training under the guidance of former Indian Captain Rani Rampal at the Bhopal camp, Nausheen is focused on perfecting the basics. For a girl who has often had to borrow shoes from teammates when her own wore out, training with her idol is a life-changing experience.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cMy goal is to play for India so that I can support my parents and make sure my father doesn't have to work this hard anymore. I want to show everyone that if you have the heart to play, no obstacle can stop you.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n