Nikita Toppo: A Resilient Force in Women's Hockey Overcoming Personal Tragedies
Nikita Toppo's Inspiring Journey in Hockey
Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], November 4: Nikita Toppo, the captain of the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) women's hockey team, embodies the philosophy of American educator Jaime Escalante, who famously said, "Life is not about how many times you fall down. It is about how many times you get back up."
At just 22 years old, Nikita faced unimaginable loss, having lost both parents by the age of five. Tragically, she also lost an elder brother in a car accident while traveling to the U-23 Five-Nations Cup in Ireland three years ago. A year later, she endured a serious injury that threatened her hockey career, and shortly after, her only remaining brother suffered a severe skull injury in an accident, from which he is still recovering.
Despite these overwhelming challenges, Nikita found refuge in hockey and played a pivotal role in leading KIIT to victory, securing the women's team gold at the Khelo India University Games Rajasthan 2025, marking their debut in the competition.
"Previously, we struggled to clear our zone against strong university teams in Odisha. However, my coach and I focused on building a competitive team by recruiting talented players to our university. Once we arrived here, we were determined to claim the title," Nikita shared with SAI Media after her team triumphed over ITM University, Gwalior, to win the gold medal.
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In the final match, Nikita excelled as a defensive midfielder, controlling the game's tempo and preventing ITM players from penetrating her team's defense. However, it is her mental clarity and resilience that truly distinguish her.
"I believe that what has happened cannot be changed. I concentrate on the present and accept my circumstances. I strive to remain strong for my team and family, or what remains of it, and I refuse to let my insecurities overshadow my mind," she explained, reflecting on her ability to recover from numerous personal hardships.
"The loss of my brother in 2022 was devastating. Yet, I refused to let it bring me down, as I didn't want my team to suffer because of my grief. No matter how much I miss him, he cannot return," Nikita added, noting that she was unable to attend his last rites.
The Indian team subsequently earned a silver medal at the U-23 Five-Nations Cup. Nikita's hockey journey began in 2016 when she joined the government sports hostel in Panposh, Rourkela. She was also part of the Indian U-21 team that achieved four wins and one draw during their tour of South Africa in 2023.
However, a ligament tear sustained during a Khelo India Youth Games training camp in 2023, coupled with her other brother's accident, meant she needed nearly a year to recover both physically and mentally before returning to the hockey field.
Nikita's immediate goal is to compete in the senior national championships as part of the Odisha team and aim for a medal, while her long-term aspiration is to represent India in major tournaments and secure stable employment.
She utilizes part of the funding received through the Khelo India Scheme for her sport, while saving the remainder to build a dream home where her brother can recover comfortably.
"Having a place to call home is my greatest desire; I have always lived with relatives," expressed Nikita, who is currently a second-year Home Science student at KIIT.