NEW DELHI
THREE summers back, Shubhra Kathuria was among the probables selected for the junior world cup.
For the last 12 months, Shubhra, an upcoming hockey player from Delhi, has been watching the women’s national team from the sidelines. And though the general picture doesn’t look like improving in a hurry, things certainly are getting better for the 23-year-old.

Recovering from surgery to her right knee, Kathuria’s diligently undergoing her rehab, but a comeback into active sports may take some time.

“I am working hard to get physically fit. My main aim this year is to play some low-key tournaments. But at this moment, I can’t elaborate,” she told Sportline.

Kathuria was one of the three goalkeepers who attended the first preparatory camp ahead of the junior world cup in April 2005.

When the list was pruned for the final camp, she wasn’t considered for the squad. But she didn’t lose hope.

In fact, she did a commendable job under the bar for her college and state teams in national level tournaments.

Making a comeback THE Guwahati National Games last year was her last big tournament.
During the competition, she aggravated a minor knee injury.

Surgery in July helped her ease the physical pain. Since then she has been following a strengthening regimen in an attempt to make a comeback.

“I should be able to play this season for the state team,” she said.

Even though she’s not been in the thick of things, she doesn’t think it will be too difficult to catch up with the more seasoned players.

How she took to the hockey stick is interesting: Shubhra was an avid athlete in school and excelled in short sprints. When in college, she shifted to hockey. Being a sprinter, her sharp reflexes enabled her to react faster than the other goalie in the team.

She was an automatic choice for her college team. “It’s never too late to begin something,” she says.

Although she isn’t in the federation’s scheme of things right now, she still follows the hockey team’s performances. “Missing the Olympic berth shouldn’t be demoralising for the players,” said the national level player who is currently pursuing a PhD in sports.

As with most athletes who see the lows early in their careers, Shubhra has a Plan B at hand. If things don’t go as she has chalked out, she says she will turn to sports psychology.
“At least I will be associated with sports.”