They Were Told Girls Don’t Play Hockey. Today, They Stand as Asia Cup Champions

Jun 09, 2026, 12:56 PM

Photo Credit : Facebook @asiahockey

They came from villages, daily-wage households and hockey grounds where dreams often outnumbered resources. Today, India's U-18 girls are the bronze medallists of the Asia Cup 2026.

Photo Credit : Facebook/@HockeyIndia

A bronze beyond the scoreline

India defeated South Korea 3-0 in the U-18 Asia Cup 2026 bronze medal match. Behind the win were years of struggle and sacrifice.

Photo Credit : Facebook/ @Hockey India

Many players trained with worn-out equipment and came from daily-wage households where pursuing sport was far from easy.

Photo Credit : X @TheHockeyIndia

Goals from Sandeepa Kumari, captain Sweety Kujur and Nausheen Naz sealed India's bronze-winning victory.

Photo Credit : NDTV

Nausheen once played with a discarded hockey stick held together with cloth. Today, she is the tournament's top scorer.

Photo Credit : Facebook/@Hockey India

When support matters most

People taunted Nausheen's family, saying daughters shouldn't play hockey or wear shorts. The criticism never stopped.

Photo Credit : Instagram /@hockeyindia

But her father, a daily-wage worker earning Rs 200-400 a day, stood by her dream and never asked her to quit.

Photo Credit : Hockey India

Leading India

Captain Sweety Kujur began her hockey journey at a grassroots centre near her village in Odisha.

Photo Credit : Instagram /@hockeyindia

With her mother's support and years of perseverance, Sweety rose to captain India and lead the team to bronze in Japan.

Photo Credit : Instagram /@hockeyindia

A team full of promise

India scored 36 goals during the tournament, showcasing the talent and potential of its next generation.

Photo Credit : Facebook/@Hockey India

A victory beyond hockey

Many were told sports weren't for girls. Today, they are Asia Cup medallists — and a glimpse of the bright future of Indian women's hockey.

Photo Credit : myKhel