Madhuri Kindo Aims for Senior Hockey Glory, Fulfilling Brother’s Unfinished Dream with Passion and Determination

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Madhuri Kindo: The young goalkeeper from Odisha has once again secured a spot in the core probable group of the ongoing Senior Women’s National Coaching Camp at SAI Bengaluru.

Though yet to make her senior team debut, Madhuri’s journey is deeply intertwined with the dreams of her elder brother, Manoj, a former national-level hockey player.

A Sibling’s Legacy

Madhuri’s tryst with hockey began at the age of eight in her village of Kadobahal, Rourkela. Inspired by her elder brother, she picked up the stick and never looked back. “I started by watching my elder brother, Manoj, who used to play hockey at the national level for Odisha. Watching him inspired me to pick up the stick,” she shares.

Manoj, now playing for the Army Hockey Team, always harboured the dream of representing India on the international stage. Though his aspirations remained unfulfilled, Madhuri is determined to carry the family’s hockey legacy forward. “He couldn’t fulfil his dream of representing India at the highest level, and now, through my efforts, I want to live that dream for him,” she says.

Overcoming Challenges with Family Support

Born into a humble household, Madhuri’s father is a farmer, while her mother is a homemaker. Despite financial limitations, her family stood firmly behind her ambitions. “My father always believed in me, and my aunt (his sister) was the first one to encourage me to pursue hockey seriously. Without their backing, I wouldn’t have come this far,” she acknowledges.

Her family’s unwavering support instilled resilience in her. “My parents have always told me not to worry about the future but to give my best in the present. I want them to be proud, and I want people to know them because of me,” she adds.

A Rapid Rise in Indian Hockey

Madhuri’s formal training began in 2012 when she joined the Panposh Sports Hostel in Rourkela. Under the mentorship of coach Amulya Nanda Bihari, she honed her skills and transitioned from a defender to a goalkeeper, a move that would define her career.

“I was initially a defender, but my coach saw my height and agility and suggested I try goalkeeping. At first, it was daunting, but I quickly grew to love the role,” she explains. The position brought out her leadership qualities and mental resilience. “Being the goalkeeper, you see the entire field. I’ve learned how to handle my team, motivate them when we’re under pressure, and encourage them to keep pushing.”

Madhuri’s hard work bore fruit in 2021 when she broke into the Indian Junior Women’s Team. Her performances at the 2023 Junior Asia Cup, where India clinched gold, and the Junior World Cup cemented her status as a rising star.

“Winning that tournament was a moment of immense pride for me, my family, and my entire village. After the victory, so many people from my village, including the Sarpanch, came to my home to congratulate my parents. It made me realise that I have the ability to bring pride to my family and that I can make my mark on the senior stage as well,” she says.

Manoj’s Immense Pride

Among those who celebrated her triumph the most was her brother, Manoj. “It felt like he was living his dream through me,” Madhuri recalls. “He messaged me right away, saying how proud he was and that my success was like his own.”

Another defining moment came at the 2023 FIH Junior Women’s World Cup when Madhuri pulled off four consecutive saves in a tense penalty shootout against New Zealand, securing victory for India. “That moment made me believe in myself,” she recalls. “Knowing I could stand strong when my team needed me most—it’s something I’ll never forget.”

Inspired by Savita, Dreaming of Olympic Glory

A key inspiration for Madhuri has been Indian women’s team goalkeeper Savita. “Savita di is my role model,” Madhuri explains. “When I was part of the junior camp, I would watch her play over and over again—her saves, her leadership, her composure. Even now, when I train with her, I’m learning so much about handling pressure and motivating the team. She’s like an elder sister to me.”

Looking ahead, Madhuri’s next goal is to break into the Indian senior team, but her ambitions don’t stop there. “My dream is to win an Olympic medal for India,” she declares. “I want to play for as long as I can, and I want to give my parents and my brother the recognition they deserve. They’ve given me everything, and now it’s my turn to give back,” she concludes.