Nausheen Naz: Rising Star of Indian Hockey Overcomes Adversity

Nausheen Naz Shines at National Championship

The recently held 16th Hockey India Sub Junior Women's National Championship 2026 showcased an exceptional talent: Nausheen Naz. This 15-year-old striker from Seoni, Madhya Pradesh, emerged as the tournament's leading scorer, netting an impressive nine goals, as reported in an official release.

A Story of Determination and Resilience

Nausheen's journey to the national level is marked by her unwavering spirit. Currently participating in the U-18 National Coaching Camp at SAI Bhopal, she has faced numerous challenges, including financial difficulties and societal biases.

Her introduction to hockey was driven by necessity rather than access to top-notch equipment. Inspired by her older sister, Tahoor Naz, Nausheen, at just 10 years old, was eager to play but lacked a proper hockey stick. "I told my sister I wanted to play, but we didn't have the money for a stick. I found a broken one on 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 practised with that repaired stick for a whole year before I finally received a proper one from a day-boarding program," Nausheen recalls.

Coming from a modest background, Nausheen's path was further complicated by her family's financial struggles. Her father has worked various jobs, including as a vegetable seller and truck driver, and currently assists in transferring cartons to support the family. Additionally, Nausheen faced societal challenges in her community, where few encouraged girls to engage in sports. "I 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," she shares.

Ultimately, it was her mother's steadfast support that reignited her passion for hockey. "My 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."

Training with an Idol

Nausheen emphasized the significance of the tournament, which is backed by Anandana, the Coca-Cola India Foundation, stating, "This 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."

Now training under the mentorship of former Indian Captain Rani Rampal at the Bhopal camp, Nausheen is dedicated to honing her skills. For a girl who has often borrowed shoes from teammates when her own wore out, training alongside her idol is transformative. "I have learned so much from Rani ma'am. She explains things so clearly--like 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," says the young striker.

Aiming for the Future

Despite the hurdles of living in a rented home and managing limited resources, Nausheen's determination remains strong as she aspires to secure a place in the team for the U18 Asia Cup Kakamigahara 2026. "My 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."