From 'Broken Stick' to 'National Camp': The Journey Of Nausheen Naz In Indian Hockey

Nausheen Naz, a 15-year-old striker from Seoni, Madhya Pradesh, was top scorer at the 16th Hockey India Sub Junior Women National Championship 2026. She hit nine goals. Now at the U-18 National Coaching Camp at SAI Bhopal, she continues to chase bigger dreams.

Nausheen’s rise links strong skills with hard struggle. She grew up in a poor family and faced social pressure in her town. Yet she became the most clinical finisher at the national event, which is supported by Anandana, the Coca-Cola India Foundation.

She started hockey at 10, inspired by her elder sister, Tahoor Naz. Money was short, so there was no stick at home. At the ground, she found a broken stick, took it to a blacksmith, and fixed it with a nail to play.

She trained for a full year with that repaired stick. Later, a day-boarding program gave her a proper stick. Her father has sold vegetables and driven trucks, and now lifts cartons. The family still lives on a limited income and in a rented house.

Social barriers and family support

Nausheen says people in her community did not back girls in sports. Some said girls should not step out to play. The criticism grew so loud that she left hockey for two years and helped her father sell vegetables instead.

Her mother pushed her to return to the game. She told Nausheen’s father to back their daughter’s passion. With that support, Nausheen joined the Gwalior Women’s Hockey Academy. This path led her to the national camp in Bhopal with other young talents.

Tournament platform and coaching

Nausheen calls the sub junior nationals a vital stage for youth. She says it lets players show skill and learn more hockey. The event also built her belief that steady hard work can turn dreams into reality at higher levels.

At Bhopal, she trains under former Indian Captain Rani Rampal. Often she has borrowed shoes from teammates when hers wore out. Learning directly from her idol, she works on basics like ball control on the run and a strong first touch.

Next target: U18 Asia Cup

Nausheen wants to earn a place for the U18 Asia Cup Kakamigahara 2026. She hopes a future India career will support her parents. She says she wants her father to stop such hard labour and prove that strong desire can clear hurdles.