Just weeks after speaking about her dream of wearing the India jersey, 15-year-old Nausheen Naz has turned that dream into reality. The daughter of a daily-wage earner from Madhya Pradesh’s Seoni district, whose journey from playing with a broken hockey stick to training at the national camp in Bhopal captured many hearts, has now earned a place in the Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team for the upcoming Junior Asia Cup in Japan.

The final squad was announced on Friday, marking a defining moment not only for Nausheen but also for her family, whose years of sacrifice and struggle have finally found reward on the national stage.

Soon after finishing her practice session, followed by a team meeting on Friday evening, Nausheen caught up with Mathrubhumi English for a quick chat on her selection.

As she walked towards the reporter, beaming with joy and pride, Nausheen exclaimed, “I made it to the team!” before walking into a room at the hockey pavilion of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Bhopal.

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Still dressed in her practice jersey and carrying her hockey kit bag, she opened up about finally making the cut.

“The final list was revealed today, but I had gotten a hint yesterday itself. There was pressure to get selected. But that pressure is now finally over. However, the pressure now is to win a medal at the Asia Cup. I have to perform well,” she said.

For Nausheen, the selection is not just about making the national team, but also about experiencing several milestones for the very first time.

“It’s a journey of many firsts for me. It was my first time at the national camp, and then making it to the Indian team. I’ll be sitting on a flight for the first time, that too, an international flight. But nothing is more thrilling than the joy of being able to represent my country for the first time,” she said.

Back home in Seoni, meanwhile, celebrations have already begun. Her father, Ahfaz Khan, organised a celebratory dinner for family members, friends, and neighbourhood children after learning about his daughter’s selection.

“We ordered sweets and food for everyone. Not just our family members, but even the children who played hockey with her here at home, and those who play with my son, were invited. Everyone is very happy learning about her selection,” Ahfaz told us over a phone call.

For the family, the moment also carries emotional significance, given the resistance they once faced for allowing their daughters to play hockey. Ahfaz said that relatives who were once unhappy with the family’s decision are now celebrating Nausheen’s achievement.

“They said whatever happened in the past should be left there now. They are very happy with her selection. In fact, anyone who came to know about Nausheen making it to the Indian team has only been happy,” he said.

When asked about her family’s reaction, Nausheen said they are overwhelmed with happiness and expectations.

“Everyone is saying that now, since I’m going, I have to win a medal for the country. They said don’t come back empty-handed,” she said with a smile.

Among the proudest people at the moment is also Paramjit Singh, Nausheen’s coach at the Madhya Pradesh Women’s Hockey Academy in Gwalior, who first identified her talent and encouraged her to appear for academy trials.

“I was certain of her selection (in the Indian team). She plays very good hockey. I spoke to her after the announcement and told her that this is just the beginning. She has to play many more games for the country, and her game should only get better from here on,” Singh said.

It was Singh who had first spotted Nausheen playing in Seoni years ago and encouraged her to pursue hockey seriously. From there, she made her way to the academy in Gwalior, and eventually to the national camp in Bhopal.

The Junior Indian Women’s Hockey Team is now set to leave from Bhopal to Delhi on May 25 before flying to Japan for the tournament, which begins later this month.