Located some 50 kms from Jharkhand’s capital Ranchi, Hesal is a small tribal village that has turned into a nursery of women hockey players over the years.
A Times of India report said that this hamlet of around 50 homes has young and determined girls aspiring to play for the country someday.
In a nation that lives and breathes cricket, it is unusual to spot hockey enthusiasts finding hope in the sport for a better future.
The belief in hockey “soared”, said the report, after midfielder Nikki Pradhan was recruited in the 2016 Rio Olympics’ squad. Her cousin Shashi Pradhan is currently part of the junior national camp and other players like Media Reshma Minju and Muktu Mundu are part of Jharkhand women's team.
Various districts of the state, including Simdega, Gumla and Khunti, have produced hockey players of international repute.
The village’s liaison with the sport began over a decade ago when Pushpa Pradhan was inducted in the Indian team that won the Asia Cup in 2004. She was also part of the Doha Asian Games in 2006.
The players credit their master player Dashrath Mahto, a school teacher from the neighbouring village.
“When I began, the villagers had no idea about hockey. Now, they are proud of these children and want the future generation to play the game,” the retired school teacher told TOI.
Despite the gusto, Hesal still lacks the infrastructure to promote the sport. It does not have a playing field and many of the young players don’t own shoes and thus risk serious injuries that may hamper their progress.
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