Jyoti’s Hockey Journey: From Financial Struggles to Stardom

On Sunday night in Ranchi, when Jyoti’s name was announced, she sprinted towards the stage to receive the Player of the Tournament award— a gleaming trophy and a ₹20 lakh cheque. The 25-year-old from Sonepat, representing JSW Soorma Hockey Club, claimed the top individual honor at the inaugural Women’s Hockey India League (WHIL).

Among those watching from the stands at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Hockey Stadium was former India captain Pritam Rani Siwach, now a coach and mentor. Siwach had witnessed a pivotal moment in Jyoti’s life years ago when her late mother, Suraj, broke down in tears, unable to afford her daughter’s ₹250 monthly school fees.

“I used to visit schools to help enroll underprivileged children,” Siwach told The Indian Express. “That’s when I saw Jyoti’s mother crying in front of the teacher. Nearby was Jyoti, a mischievous little girl full of energy. Her father, Narender Singh, had recently passed away in an accident. I asked her mother if she would be willing to send Jyoti to my academy. I assured her that she wouldn’t have to pay a single penny—I would cover her school fees.”

Siwach even asked if the family had a cow or a buffalo. When Jyoti’s mother said they had a cow, the coach advised her to ensure Jyoti drank a glass of milk daily, promising to take care of everything else.

A Life-Changing Opportunity

Jyoti vividly remembers that fateful day. “We were in the principal’s office, and my mother told Coach Siwach that she had no money for hockey training. Coach simply said, ‘It’s all free,’” she recalled with a chuckle.

“My mother asked again—what about shoes, sticks, and clothes? Coach repeated, ‘It’s all free!’ Then my mother turned to me and asked if I wanted to play. I looked at her and said no. She urged me to at least try it out. The moment I stepped onto the ground, I was given a T-shirt, shorts, shoes, and socks. Seeing so many girls playing, I started enjoying the sport.”

Jyoti lost her father, a truck driver, in a road accident in 2009. Her mother worked as a house help before securing a job as a school caretaker for younger children. “She gave everything she could to us three siblings. Her biggest challenge was taking care of me because an athlete has different needs,” Jyoti said.

Rising Through the Ranks

Initially, Jyoti played as a forward under Coach Siwach before transitioning to midfield in the junior camp. Last year, when Harendra Singh took over as India’s head coach, he recognized Jyoti’s defensive potential and repositioned her. Though skeptical at first, she soon embraced the role.

“I get to have the ball more,” she explained. “And I enjoy stealing it from forwards. I can also see the full game unfold in front of me.” To refine her skills, she began studying Belgian legend Arthur van Doren through video footage on iPads. “Meeting him during the HIL was surreal. I don’t know if he even knows me, but I just wanted to take a photo with him.”

Now with 75 international caps, Jyoti credits the WHIL experience, foreign players, and Coach Jude Menezes for her growth.

“Jyoti impressed me with her ability to play both as a central and outside defender,” said Menezes, a former India goalkeeper. “She took on responsibilities and improved throughout the tournament. She has immense potential and is on the right path to becoming a world-class defender.”

Chasing the Olympic Dream

Jyoti dreams of representing India at the Olympics and winning a medal. Last year was particularly heartbreaking—after India narrowly missed qualification for Paris 2024, she also lost her mother. Devastated, she found solace in Coach Siwach, who comforted her like a mother.

“I try to be there for her as my own child,” Siwach said. “We convinced her to return to the team, and despite everything, she played exceptionally well.”

Jyoti remains determined to fulfill her mother’s dream. “Coach Siwach told me, ‘It’s okay to be sad, but turn that into positive energy. Play for your mother. Become an Olympian for her.’ I will keep fighting for that medal. I know she’s watching over me, and I think of her every day. I’ve come this far because of her.”