Varanasi: In a heartwarming story of grit and determination, Pooja Yadav, the daughter of a milk seller from Varanasi, has earned a place in the training camp of the Indian senior women’s hockey team. Overcoming significant challenges, including a lack of resources and training facilities, Pooja’s selection has brought immense pride to her family and community.
Hailing from Gangapur, Pooja began her hockey journey at Gangapur Academy, where she first learned the basics of the sport. Due to the absence of a girls’ hockey team in her village, she trained with boys to hone her skills. Her relentless hard work and perseverance have now paid off, with her selection for the national training camp organized by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), which will be held in Bengaluru from March 23 to 30.
Pooja’s father, Mahendra Yadav, supports the family through his milk business, while her mother, Kalawati Devi, is a homemaker. Pooja is the fifth among six sisters and has risen through the ranks despite minimal resources. She completed her early education at Gangapur Inter College and has already made a mark in national-level competitions.
A gold medalist at the Junior Nationals and Khelo India Games, Pooja was also part of the bronze medal-winning team at the Senior Nationals, where she represented Uttar Pradesh. Her selection for the Indian team’s training camp is a testament to her unwavering dedication and talent.
Mohammad Hussain Ansari, President of Gangapur Academy, expressed immense pride over Pooja’s achievement, calling it a moment of glory not just for the academy but for the entire state. “Her selection has inspired many young athletes and brought new energy to the sporting community,” he said.
Pooja Yadav’s journey from a modest village to the national stage serves as a beacon of hope for countless aspiring athletes across the country.
