Bhopal: From being selected for the national camp in Bhopal without owning a hockey stick to now wearing the Indian jersey at the Under-18 Asia Cup in Japan, Nausheen Naz, the 15-year-old daughter of a daily-wager father from Madhya Pradesh's Seoni, is set to achieve a milestone few can dream of.
Three Years of Hard Work Pay Off
After three years of relentless effort, young Nausheen has earned a place in India's Under-18 women's squad, which will travel across the northwest Pacific for the Asia Cup starting on May 29. Her name featured prominently in the full India squad announced by Hockey India on Friday.
Family Overcome with Emotion
Her selection left her family overwhelmed with emotion. "I cried out of sheer happiness," said her father, 55-year-old Ahfaz Khan. "No one in our family has ever seen an airport, and now my daughter is flying abroad. It feels surreal." His tears were a mix of pride and relief, marking the payoff for years of quiet sacrifice and a rare chance to change the family's fortunes.
From Local Grounds to National Squad
A Class 10 student and a forward, Nausheen secured the national call-up after three years of disciplined training at the Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy. Her coaches describe her as a tenacious attacker whose pace and instinct for goal impressed selectors during trials. Her rise from local grounds to a national squad sparked celebrations across her Seoni neighbourhood.
"For us, this is a proud moment," said Noori, a neighbour, adding, "We watched her run and practise and always hoped she would get noticed." Her academy coach, Vandana, praised Nausheen's raw talent and relentless commitment while also acknowledging the hardships that marked her journey.
Struggles Despite Success
Despite earning a place in the national squad, Nausheen still does not own a hockey stick as her father cannot afford one. "Everything I have is for her," Ahfaz said, describing his long shifts and meagre savings as humble efforts that went into supporting his daughter. While the Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy provided her exposure to high-level coaching and access to state-of-the-art facilities, Nausheen's family still struggles to arrange two square meals a day.
Community Support and Hopes for Sponsorship
After her selection to the national squad, her coaches and well-wishers rallied to support the family, hoping sponsors will step forward. "She deserves every opportunity," one of her coaches said. The Asia Cup will pit Nausheen against international peers and offer a platform that other talented athletes from economically disadvantaged backgrounds can take inspiration from.
A Beacon of Hope
As the Khans celebrate, their modest home is filled with cautious hope. For a family that sacrificed to see a child wear the national colours, this moment is both vindication and a reminder that talent, when met with support, can transcend circumstance.
