Beauty Dungdung: A Young Hockey Star's Inspiring Journey of Resilience

A Comeback Forged in Pain and Loss

At just 22, Beauty Dungdung shoulders significant responsibilities both on and off the hockey field. Currently, she is training at the national camp for the Indian Women's Hockey Team in Bengaluru, but returning to the sport has proven to be her greatest challenge yet.

"Making a comeback took me nearly two years," Beauty recounted in a press release from Hockey India, reflecting on the serious knee injury she sustained in 2023. During her lengthy rehabilitation, she often questioned whether she would ever don the Indian jersey again. However, the physical agony she endured was overshadowed by the emotional turmoil she faced away from the pitch.

Tragically, during her recovery, she lost her father. "My father passed away while I was injured. I was constantly traveling between home and the camp, and so much was happening simultaneously," she shared. "There were moments when I truly doubted if I could return to the sport."

From Supported Dreamer to Family's Pillar

Her father was her greatest inspiration and supporter. Growing up in a small village in Jharkhand, financial constraints were a constant challenge. At the tender age of five, her father crafted her first hockey stick from bamboo due to their inability to afford a proper one. He even took on daily wage labor in different states to help finance her sporting aspirations. "When Papa was around, I had immense support," Beauty recalled softly. "Now, I have to shoulder everything alone."

Today, Beauty stands as the cornerstone of her family. With her position at Indian Oil, she provides for her household, supports her brother's family, and funds the education of her young niece and nephews. Most poignantly, she cares for her mother, who is partially paralyzed and battling memory loss.

Juggling Pressure with a Hockey Family's Support

"It can be overwhelming at times because my mother is partially paralyzed, and her memory is deteriorating. She often forgets things," Beauty confessed. "I have to explain things repeatedly, but she still asks, 'When will you come home?' My thoughts are always with her when I'm away."

Managing the intense demands of international hockey alongside the emotional weight of her home life is no small feat. Yet, Beauty remains determined. "If I dwell on it too much, I’ll be the one in trouble, so I concentrate fully on the game. It feels rewarding to support my family financially. I strive to balance both aspects," she explained.

When the emotional burden becomes too heavy, she turns to her teammates for support. "I have friends on the team, and I share my feelings with them. Even before a match, if I'm feeling down, I let them know so they can motivate me. The team is incredibly supportive."

Playing for a Legacy and a Future

Gradually, Beauty has regained her rhythm. She made her return to the field during the Asian Champions Trophy and the recent Hero Hockey India League. Now, she is back in the national camp, diligently preparing for the vital FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers in Hyderabad, Telangana. Renowned for her running and receiving abilities, she is focused on rebuilding her confidence within the striking circle.

Beauty Dungdung is no longer merely a young girl playing for enjoyment. Each time she grips her hockey stick, she plays for her mother's well-being, her family's future, and in memory of the father who crafted her very first stick from bamboo.