Shilpi Dabas, a defender from Sonepat, finally earned her India colours after an eight-year wait, making her debut in the 3-2 win against the USA in the FIH Nations Cup. She became an integral part of the team that went on to beat New Zealand and win the tournament.
Long-awaited debut
For someone who waited eight years for a national camp call-up, Shilpi is now a regular starter for the Indian team. Her next targets are the World Cup and Asian Games.
“To return with a tournament win in my first ever tour was something special. My India debut came after a long wait. I was a little nervous in my first game against the USA. We were trailing in that match but we came back to win it 3-2. I enjoyed every bit of it. It was truly a special feeling,” Shilpi told The Tribune.
Journey from domestic circuit
Shilpi started playing hockey at the sports complex in Chandigarh’s Sector 42 and later joined Pritam Siwach Hockey Academy in Sonepat. She has been a regular on the domestic circuit since joining Railways in 2018 but was never called to national camps.
“After the Nationals, I hoped they (selectors) would ask me to join the national camp. But I was never called up. I was asked to come for a trial after I had given up hope. Now I am happy,” said the defender, who also won the Hockey India League (HIL) with SG Pipers.
Last-minute trial
Shilpi reached the SAI training base in Bengaluru only an hour before the trial match. As a trainee attached to the SAI National Centre of Excellence, the office order allowing her to move base came at the very last moment.
“I reached there in the morning, played in the trial match and then was asked to join the national camp after that,” she said.
Emotional family reaction
Shilpi’s family — father Anil, mother Anita and brother Sahil, all former players — were emotional after learning about her debut.
“We had a video call and my parents were very happy after they learned I was to make my debut. Of course they were emotional because we had to wait for this debut for a long time. But one thing I remember, they told me this was only a start, I have a long way to go,” Shilpi said.
