Age Correspondent

New Delhi

Aug. 29: From a farmer’s daughter to the captain of the national team, Surinder Kaur’s story has been an inspiration for many.

The Indian women’s hockey captain was barely in her teens when family responsibilities fell to her. Unable to buy a hockey stick or even afford proper shoes, the young girl got unflinching support from her family and coach Baldev Singh, who gave their all to help her realise her India dream.

On Saturday, the small, sleepy town of Shahbad got its biggest award when the duo were conferred with the Arjuna and Dronacharya awards for their contribution to the sport. Said Surinder, “When I began playing some 15 years ago, my only thought was to make it to the India squad. Today, I am the skipper and hold this award. It couldn’t get any better. If you ask me, I still cannot believe that I have done it.”

Till date, Haryana’s famous town has produced as many as 34 international players in the last decade.

“Like any other girl in my village, I also came from a poor family. I was passionate about hockey, but had no means. It’s only because of my parents and Baldev Sir that I am standing here today.

“My parents went through a lot of hardships, there were times when we had no money, but they never made me feel that. They did everything possible to make sure nothing separated me from the game,” said Surinder, who recently led India to the Champions Challenge II triumph in Kazan, Russia.

Nicknamed the ‘goal machine’, Surinder was named the player of the tournament. Incidentally, this squad had five girls from Shahbad.

Much credit goes to Baldev Singh, who has a simple motto — hard work and discipline. “The first thing that I teach these girls is discipline. Also, the basics are very important. Most of the girls come from humble backgrounds, and cannot even afford proper kits. But I never turn them down,” Baldev said.

Interestingly, since 1996, the India’s women’s team hasn’t played any international tournament without a representation from Shahbad.

Ignace gets his due

The Army is synonymous with fighting spirit, and Indian midfielder Ignace Tirkey knows it well. In the running for the Arjuna award for the last six years, the Services lad finally got his due when he was honoured on Saturday.

Said Ignace, “It was a long wait no doubt, but I am happy that my prayers have finally been answered. Indian hockey has seen a lot of bad days, and now I only hope that we do well as a team and bring laurels for the country.”