Bhopal: A day after TOI published a report on Nausheen Naz, a promising hockey player born to a daily-wage father, offers of help and support poured in from across the country on Friday for the 15-year-old prodigy who is now eyeing glory at the Asia Cup.
Journey from a broken stick to Asia Cup camp
The report traced the journey of Nausheen, raised in the dusty lanes of Seoni in Madhya Pradesh, from picking up a discarded and broken hockey stick to being selected for an ongoing Under-18 Asia Cup training camp in Bhopal. The tournament is set to begin in Japan on May 29.
Hours after the report was published, a stream of callers swamped this correspondent's phone — from a school headmistress in Mumbai and hockey fans to the Madhya Pradesh sports department — all ready and willing to support the teen sensation with the necessary gear and kit that she currently lacks.
Father's pride and wave of support
With her father Ahfaz Khan barely earning about Rs 250 a day, Nausheen honed her skills with the broken stick, which she had reassembled with a cloth. She is now training with equipment provided by the MP Women's Hockey Academy after being selected for the Asia Cup camp. "My daughter has made us believe in miracles," Khan said on Friday after the wave of support.
The MP government's sports department contacted Nausheen's family. "We assured comprehensive financial assistance, essential equipment, training stipends, and potential hostel facilities," a senior official said. The Mumbai headmistress was moved by the inspiring triumph of grit over odds. "As an educator, I found the article inspiring. We would love to help Nausheen with the hockey kit and any other gear she needs," she said.
Public response and offers
A hockey fan emailed TOI saying: "Thank you for the inspiring story... Can you advise how to connect with her father and understand her requirements?" Another wrote: "Please specify the cost of a professional hockey kit, bank details, and contact number of Nausheen Naz."
The overwhelming response highlights the power of media in mobilizing support for deserving talent. Nausheen's story continues to inspire many as she prepares for the Asia Cup.
