Podium finish at the Olympics is Women’s Hockey Team’s Goal: Neha Goyal

By Harpal Singh Bedi

Sep 7, 2020

New Delhi: Midfielder Neha Goyal says that ultimate goal of the Women’s Hockey Team is to have a podium finish at the Olympics.

Talking to Hockey India, Neha , who has played 75 matches for the country, , said that “Our sole focus is on the Tokyo Olympics at the moment. We have been working hard on our fitness in the last few months and we will do everything we can to keep getting better at our game in the next few months.

“We had a fabulous 2019 after winning the Women’s Series Finals and booking a place in the Olympics through the FIH Qualifiers.

“We have competed well against top teams in the recent past and therefore we have the belief that we can make history in Tokyo next year. It’s our ultimate goal to win a Medal at the Olympics,” said the 23-year-old.

The ace mid fielder had to battle numerous difficult challenges to make it to the top level. She faced financial concerns when she took up hockey as her family found it hard to procure sport equipment for her and later, went through a series of injuries.

She asserted that her never give in attitude helped her to tackle all the difficulties in her career so far.

“It was really tough for me when I started playing hockey in the fifth standard. My mother would work day and night to make sure that we had enough food and therefore it was very difficult for her to save some money for my equipment.

“And once I made it to the top level, I faced numerous injuries and was out of the Indian team for a long time. However, the most important thing for me was that I never gave up and kept persisting to beat any obstacle in my career and I am very glad that I have featured in many games for India since 2017 after coming back,” said the Midfielder.

Asked about her biggest inspiration Neha said that former Captain Pritam Rani Siwach has had a huge influence on her career.

“When I was in the fifth standard, I used to see Pritam didi’s photographs in the local newspaper and I used to go and watch her play in a local ground. One day she asked me why I go to the ground everyday and it was then I told her that I want to play the game. Since my parents couldn’t afford hockey equipment for me, Pritam didi provided the equipment to me and encouraged me to work hard on my game. I wouldn’t have reached where I am today without her support,” Neha who hails from Sonipat added.

—-India News Stream