Choosing passion over norm made life for a dream run for India’s senior women’s team midfielder.
Eighteen-year-old Preeti Dubey, who had skipped Class 12 examination to attend a national hockey camp much to the disapproval of her family, was conferred the Asunta Lakra Upcoming Player of the Year award on March 26.
“In spite of having examples of great cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, I don’t know why people don’t understand that studying is not the only goal in life. There are several other fields in which one can make an excellent career,” she told HT over phone.
“Ten years ago when I chose hockey over studies my father opposed it. But now he is proud of me,” said the South Asian Games gold medallist.
“Before skipping the Class 12 examination, I had asked my father what I should do. He told me to live my dream. His words gave me strength and I turned towards hockey forever,” she said.
The ace player stumbled into hockey by chance. “I was a good sprinter. One day my teacher spotted me (while running) and asked me to try hockey. Without any question I gave my consent,” she said, adding that one decision changed her life.
Dubey, who has been training at Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy for the past seven years, said the Asunta Lakra award was a great motivation for her. She was also conferred a prize money of Rs 10 lakh.
{{/usCountry}}Dubey, who has been training at Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy for the past seven years, said the Asunta Lakra award was a great motivation for her. She was also conferred a prize money of Rs 10 lakh.
{{/usCountry}}MPHA gets President’s award
Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy was awarded with ‘President’s award’ for its outstanding achievement. A prize of Rs 5 lakh, citation and trophy was received by MP sports director Upendra Jain at a programme organised in Bengaluru on Saturday.
Three players from the state-- Mohammad Umar, Arman Qureshi and Nilakantha Sharma – was awarded for their excellent performances.
“This is really great source of motivation for players of MP. We are happy for getting recognition nationwide for the best facilities and training”, said Ashok Dhyanchand, former hockey Olympian and technical advisor, MPHA.