By K. ARUMUGAM

Its a first in the glorious Indian hockey history. We know, like in the West, families produced top hockey players in India too. No surprise therefore we have among us many father-son combos, brother -brother duos and even brother-sister internationals. With former women hockey legend Pritamrani Siwach’s son Yasdhdeep Siwach figuring in the last two matches of the ongoing Junior World Cup, India has had its first-ever Mother-Son combo.

Pritam as player, year 1991

The story of Pritam and the growth of her son to fame enchant ever sports fan.

She fought taboo. A female playing hockey. Then, a married woman doing so. Worse, from the dark corridors of prejudiced India, a mum, not once but twice, picking up the stick and donning her national colours once again.

Pritam, 47, was an influential player in the milestone triumph at the 2002 Commonwealth Games. A Chak De India girl, if you like. She had already contributed more than a fair share to Indian hockey.

But the Railways stalwart didn’t stop at that. Her academy at Sonepat, Haryana, an altruistic effort, has spawned a generation of players – but she’d be particularly pleased that her son Yashdeep, a midfielder, has earned his spurs for the U-21 FIH Junior World Cup due to start on November 24 in Bhubaneswar.

Her daughter Kanika promises a lot too and has represented Haryana with aplomb.

Yashdeep’s achievement makes for a first in Indian hockey — Mum and offspring donning the cherished India shirt is unprecedented. And it makes for a memorable fortnight for family.

Yashdeep Siwach, son of Pritam

Pritam was presented the Dronacharya Award for her contribution to coaching and provided a momentous moment for not just her but for husband Kuldeep, a former player himself, whose unstinting support has been a pillar of strength.

From scoffed at taking to the game for being a plump little girl, to playing with a borrowed stick, Pritam scaled one challenge after another.

Encouraged by P.E. teacher Tara Chand, she eventually played for India in 1991, was captain of the 1998 silver medal-winning Asian Games team and received the Arjuna award. But then, inevitably, marriage in 1999 and the arrival of Yashdeep in 2000 put the brakes on further hockey accolades.

Not for long. Kuldeep encouraged his wife to return to playing hockey, supporting her to the fullest. She did and did so again after the birth of Kanika in 2005. An incredible effort.

During the NTPC National Championship held in Delhi in 2007-08, this writer saw the mother doting his 3-year old Son Yashdeep during the halftime. (Pic). He has now grown to represent India at various age group tournaments.

Yasdeep Siwach in his debut for India – Asian YOQ 2018

Yashdeep first played hockey, understandably with his mother watching. He attributes his progress to Pritam, his inspiration. Not surprisingly, he represented India at the Sultan of Johor Cup in 2019.

Pritam will be the doting mum watching her son either on the TV screen or perhaps as a special invitee at the Kalinga stadium which will bar spectators owing to the Covid safety measures.

If Kanika also dons her country’s jersey, it would be a chapter written in gold in the book of Indian hockey.

Note: This writer had seen and reported Pritamrani Siwach making her international debut in the early 90s, and also her son’s in 2018 (Asian Youth Olympic Qualifier, Bangkok, 2018).

All photos by K. Arumugam