Neha's Inspiring Journey from Grassroots to Gold in Women's Hockey

Neha's journey from starting hockey without proper shoes to winning gold at the Asian Games is a powerful testament to determination and resilience. After receiving a warm welcome in Karnal, she reflected on her struggles and the importance of support for budding athletes. With her sights set on Olympic gold, Neha dedicated her victory to her family, who stood by her through thick and thin. Her story not only highlights personal triumph but also calls for better support for aspiring athletes. Read on to learn more about her inspiring journey and the significance of her achievement.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 10, 2026, 00:09 IST

Neha's Triumph at the Asian Games

Neha, a member of the Indian women's hockey team that clinched gold at the recent Asian Games in Japan, began her athletic journey without the right footwear. Her remarkable story highlights the power of determination, hard work, and resilience.

Following the gold medal victory, Neha, who hails from Karnal, received a warm welcome in her hometown on Friday.

Reflecting on her early challenges, Neha shared that she lacked proper shoes when she first took up hockey. A supportive teacher provided her with a pair, which allowed her to pursue her passion. She emphasized that timely grassroots support could have mitigated the injuries she faced early in her career.

Neha called on government officials to ensure that aspiring athletes have access to necessary facilities, equipment, and support, so financial limitations do not hinder their aspirations.

Her primary goal has always been to win gold, and now that the team has achieved this milestone, she is setting her sights on Olympic gold.

During a media interaction at the BJP district office, where she was welcomed by party leaders and Mayor Renu Bala Gupta, Neha expressed, “My dream is to win an Olympic gold medal.”

She described the victory as one of the highlights of her career, dedicating the medal to her family, whose unwavering support allowed her to continue her hockey journey after marriage.

Neha remarked, “Our entire team played with full determination, and we achieved our goal,” recalling the joyous celebrations in the dressing room post-victory.

Looking back at the final match against China, Neha acknowledged the strength of the opposing team but maintained that India was confident in their ability to win. She credited their success to teamwork, discipline, and focus under pressure.

“China is a formidable team, but we functioned as a cohesive unit. There is pressure in such matches, but once you step onto the field, you must focus on your game. That’s precisely what we did,” she explained.

Her husband, Sunil Yadav, who is also a hockey player and works as an auditor with the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in Delhi, reminisced about her dedication and tireless efforts to reach the international level.

“Neha is from Sonepat, and we married in November 2024. She dedicates most of her time to training. Before marriage, she practiced in Sonepat and later continued in Karnal,” he shared.

“Both families have been incredibly supportive. After our marriage, she expressed her desire to keep playing hockey, and my family fully backed her,” he added.

Neha faced significant challenges, including the loss of her father and her mother working in a factory to support her and her two sisters. Despite these hardships, Neha remained committed to her sporting dreams and ultimately achieved a milestone that has brought pride to the nation.

For her family, the gold medal symbolizes more than just a sporting victory. “It is the culmination of years of perseverance, sacrifice, and faith in Neha’s abilities,” a family member remarked.

Mayor Renu Bala Gupta congratulated Neha and her family, commending her achievement for bringing honor to Karnal.