Pooja Yadav, a 21-year-old from Gangapur near Varanasi, is rewriting the narrative for girls in rural India. She’s the first woman from Purvanchal to make it to the Indian women’s hockey team—and her journey is nothing short of remarkable.

A Pair of Shoes That Changed Everything
Her father, Mahendra Yadav, a milkman and farmer, couldn’t afford sports shoes. Instead, he struck a deal—delivering milk daily to a shopkeeper in exchange for a pair of golden-star hockey shoes. It took over a month to pay them off. But for Pooja, those shoes became the symbol of her first victory.

Defying Norms, Backed by Family
In a village where girls weren’t expected to pursue sports, Pooja stood out. While many discouraged her, her mother and sisters encouraged her to train and even took over her chores so she could practice. Her response to taunts? “I made them watch Chak De India,” she says, smiling.

A Confident Start with a Cricket Bat
Before hockey, Pooja played cricket with boys at school. It taught her confidence and built her resilience. Then came a hockey stick—and a spark that never faded.

Her Big Break: The SAI Hostel, Lucknow
With limited resources, her dream was clear: get selected into the SAI hostel in Lucknow, where training and gear wouldn’t burden her family. She made it at just 16, and has been climbing steadily ever since.

Ready for the World Stage
Now part of the 26-member Indian squad heading to Australia (April 26–May 4, 2025), Pooja is set to wear the India jersey on international turf. Known for her speed, awareness, and precision, she’s earned the trust of her coaches—and the spotlight.

Mentors Who Inspire
At the national camp in Bengaluru, senior player Sushila Chanu took her under her wing. Pooja also draws inspiration from players like Navneet Kaur and Neha Goyal, who’ve shown her what’s possible.

More Than a Player—A Trailblazer
Pooja’s story is about more than hockey. It’s about rising above circumstances, challenging stereotypes, and showing that dreams rooted in small villages can reach the world.