She was a Pune girl with a dream. She wanted to be a top hockey player and represent her country at the highest level. Namrata Shah, formerly Naazleen Madraswalla, represented India in the 1980 Olympics at age 17.
Now settled in New Zealand, Pune’s most famous women’s hockey player talks about her passion for the sport and how hockey became the passion of her life.
When did this passion for hockey start?
My passion for hockey has been there ever since I remember. My aunt, Zarina Madraswalla, played for India in 1953; My dad was also very sporty and finally it was my aunt’s coach, the late Minoo Golakhari who produced a large number of hockey players.
Did you face any hurdles during the early part of your career?
Personally I don’t think I faced many hurdles as I think I managed with the equipment I had and also was so happy playing sport. I had difficulties in getting to training etc due to having to cycle to the grounds or walk (most of the time I never had enough bus money!). I was very lucky that the club I played for was run by the owners of Kayani Bakery and they were extremely kind and looked after the players like family.
You played in an era when the Indian women’s hockey team was doing very well. What was the experience like?
I think it was a golden period for Indian hockey. We were not just team-mates, but more than that friends who had each other’s back and have continued to be friends to this day.
We worked very hard in quite difficult circumstances as we never had the facilities the players have today. Even now it brings goose bumps when I think of the honour it was to sing the national anthem with great pride and willing to give my all to bring glory to India and our national game.
How was the 1980 Olympics experience and what made India tick there?
I was only 17 at the time so was the junior most in the team. I still believe we could have been amongst the medals, but I guess that is the nature of sport, that one game can change the results.
You left the game around 1984 and then made a comeback in 1989. Why was that?
I think I was upset that I did not get the Arjuna Award. However, when I started playing again and went to the nationals representing Air India and captained the team at the National Games (which we won) I thought I was fit enough so decided to give playing for India another go.
My family was extremely supportive, and though my son Manav was three years old, I decided that I would play again. At that time I don’t think there were many women sportspersons who had adventured this far.
You should never take no for an answer, rather believe in yourself, which I did, and so had the honour of playing for India.
With the advent of the Hockey India League, the game is gaining in popularity and glamour again. Do you think this is the way forward to Indian hockey?
Absolutely. At the end of the day, every sport has now started becoming professional or already is. When you are giving up the best part of your youth to the sport you love, then it is necessary to get some financial benefits too.
As a successful woman sportsperson, what would you advice other girls and women hoping to make it to the big league professionally?
I guess for me in a nutshell, you have to be passionate about what you do, need to believe in yourself, and most of all, there are no short cuts.
I also feel strongly that in whatever way possible, it is important for athletes to support their sport as the experience that these players have can go a long way in improving the game. They will also serve as role models for young players to follow.
Indian women’s hockey is on a revival mode. What is the best way to sustain it?
I think as the game evolves, we have to make sure we are continually upskilling through coaches, mental fitness, and all the aspects that make teams winners.
Sport at the grassroots level should be given greater importance as there is where champions are identified and can be nurtured into winners
You have been mentoring young players in New Zealand. Tell us more about it.
I have been in New Zealand for a number of years now and have enjoyed every moment of it. Having coached at various levels, I see the huge dedication of players to the codes they play.
Besides hockey, I work with an organisation that works to make athletes look at themselves in a holistic way. A number of experts comes together and speak to the athletes on various aspects of being a complete sportsman.
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