‘Hockey star Vandana didn’t quit practice despite father’s death’
HARIDWAR: Woman hockey player Vandana Kataria, who scored a hat-trick last during a match against South Africa on Saturday in Tokyo Olympics, showed exemplary commitment when she decided not to leave practice despite her father’s death in May.
Vandana was practising with Team India players in Bengaluru when the news of her father’s death reached her. She stuck to her training, recalling her father’s words that she should give her best to ensure she wins the Olympic medal in Tokyo.
Vandana’s mother Soran Devi said the sudden death of her husband Nahar Singh due to heart attack in fact made
Vandana work harder to realize her father’s dream.
“Vandana continued to practise despite her father’s death. Also, we realized that it was good that she didn’t come as the second Covid wave was raging and her arrival would have diverted her concentration. We are praying and hoping Team India wins the next two matches to be crowned Olympic champion,” said Soran Devi.
Welcoming ministers, legislators, district magistrate, senior superintendent of police and well-wishers from across the state, Soran Devi is quite busy these days.
Serving tea and sweets to legislator Desh Raj Karnwal on Monday she pointed that such love and admiration from across the state will only boost the performance of her daughter.
Hailing from Roshanabad village, 14kms from Haridwar city, Vandana Kataria’s early schooling and hockey learning revolved around Haridwar.
Rao Affaq Ali, incumbent Zila panchayat vice-chairperson, who motivated the Kataria family to go ahead with hockey as a career sport for Vandana, put forth a suggestion of naming the district hockey stadium after her name.
“Vandana is now the sporting face of Uttarakhand so it will be the best decision as it will motivate many young girls towards sports,” said Affaq Ali.
He further pointed out that although the economic condition of the family led to problems in Vandana getting the best available coaching, she never let it affect her self-training regime.
“We are now just waiting for the return of Vandana with the Olympic medal, “said social activist Annu Kakad, while distributing sweets to Vandana’s family members.
Vandana continued to practise despite her father’s death. Also, we realised... her arrival could have diverted concentration
SORAN DEVI, mother of
Vandana Kataria