Baljeet Kaur's Inspiring Journey to Indian Women's Hockey Team

Baljeet Kaur, a midfielder for the Indian women's hockey team, shares her remarkable journey from humble beginnings to the national squad. In her candid interview, she discusses the challenges she faced, the inspiration drawn from her family and international stars, and her mental resilience in overcoming obstacles. As she competes in the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026, Baljeet reflects on her early inspirations, the transition to senior hockey, and the lessons learned from playing alongside top athletes. Her story is a testament to determination and passion in sports.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 9, 2026, 16:45 IST

Baljeet Kaur's Journey to Success

Baljeet Kaur, a midfielder for the emerging Indian women's hockey team, has shared her inspiring story of rising from a modest background to joining the national senior team. In a recent interview, she attributed her achievements to her family's perseverance and a transformative mindset influenced by international athletes. Currently participating in the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026, the 24-year-old reflected on her early motivations, the psychological challenges of being on the national team's periphery, and her experiences in the Hockey India League (HIL).

Early Inspirations and Challenges

Baljeet's passion for hockey ignited not through formal coaching but by observing her cousin. She recounted how she would wake up early to watch her cousin head to practice, which inspired her to pursue the sport. "When my cousin would leave for the ground, I was curious and wanted to join her. I told my mom I wanted to play hockey too," Baljeet explained.

However, her journey was not without obstacles. During a state tournament, she was unable to participate due to her family's financial constraints, which prevented them from purchasing a hockey kit. "I missed out on the state tournament because I didn't have a kit. The coach informed me that I needed one, but my family couldn't afford it," she shared.

Mental Resilience and Determination

Reflecting on her career, Baljeet, who debuted for the senior Indian team in June 2022, faced a tough period of inconsistency in her playing time. This uncertainty led her to contemplate quitting, but she remained mentally resilient, believing that her chance to play regularly would eventually arrive. "I kept pushing myself, reminding myself of my dream to represent India. Whenever I felt discouraged, I would reset mentally and focus on my goal," she stated.

Transitioning to Senior Hockey

Baljeet represented India at the FIH Hockey Women's Junior World Cup 2021, where the team secured fourth place, and previously at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games, winning a silver medal. Discussing the shift from junior to senior hockey, she noted the increased pressure and expectations that come with competing at a higher level. "In juniors, there was less pressure, but in seniors, the expectations are much greater," she remarked.

Learning from International Stars

In the Hockey India League (HIL), Baljeet had the opportunity to learn from international stars while playing for the Odisha Warriors. Competing alongside top players like Australia's Kaitlin Jaye Nobbs and the Netherlands' Yibbi Jansen enriched her experience. "Playing with such talented players was enjoyable. I learned that playing with joy rather than stress leads to better performance," she noted.

Facing Tough Competitors

When asked about her toughest opponent, Baljeet identified the Netherlands as a formidable team, highlighting their collective strength. "The Netherlands is tough because their entire squad is strong. There are no weak players; every team brings their best," she explained.

FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers

The Indian women's team commenced their FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers with a convincing 4-0 victory over Uruguay. They are set to compete against Scotland next, followed by a match against Wales.