CHANDIGARH: As the Indian women’s hockey team clinched a historic Asian Games gold medal, ending a 44-year title drought and securing direct qualification for the Olympic Games, legendary hockey player Rajbir Kaur could hardly contain her emotions at her residence.Sitting on the edge of her sofa and watching every high-octane moment of the final, the veteran was transported back to the 1962 Delhi Asian Games.“I was literally getting up from my sofa repeatedly during the second half, praying they wouldn’t concede a goal,” said Rajbir Kaur, popularly known as the Golden Girl of Indian hockey.“China dominated the second half with relentless attacks, and we sat with our fingers crossed. When they missed a crucial penalty strike, I knew destiny and luck were on our side. Our goalkeeper Savita Punia, along with the entire defence, pulled off miraculous goal-line saves. A win is a win, and winning gold after 44 long years is a historic achievement that deserves to be celebrated.”Rajbir Kaur’s journey is closely intertwined with one of the finest chapters in Indian sporting history. In 1962, as a 17-year-old college student, she was the youngest member of the team in the iconic side captained by Eliza Nelson that won gold at the New Delhi Asian Games.“Playing in front of a home crowd in a packed stadium was unforgettable. When we returned after winning gold, my entire college came to the railway station to receive me. Watching today’s celebrations brings back memories of receiving our medals from the late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi,” Kaur recalled.Kaur went on to represent India in four Asian Games, captaining the national team in the 2006 and 2004 editions before retiring in 1990.Reflecting on the evolution of the sport, she noted how much hockey has changed over the decades.“The game has become incredibly fast. We played on natural grass in 1962, whereas today’s team competes on synthetic turf under completely revamped rules. While the speed is remarkable, the traditional artistry and intricate ball control that once defined Indian hockey are less visible today,” she observed.Comparing the facilities available to current players with those during her playing days, Kaur said today’s players enjoy world-class support.“In our time, we had practically nothing. Today, state governments award crores of rupees, and players receive top-tier nutrition, air-conditioned accommodation, and support from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). With such infrastructure and direct Olympic qualification secured, the team has a clear pathway to target an Olympic medal.”Sharing a poignant personal memory, Kaur spoke about parting with some of her most treasured hockey memorabilia.“The tiny gold medal is safe, but I gave away my favourite equipment. My husband had gifted me a pair of shin guards from Australia, which I used across four Asian Games, repairing them repeatedly over the years. Later, officials collected unique sporting memorabilia from former athletes for a museum at NIS Patiala. I handed over my stick and those shin guards to inspire future generations. Since then, I have never seen them again.“Despite that loss, Kaur remains optimistic about the future of Indian women’s hockey.“When hockey rises, we all rise with it. This victory is proof of the players’ grit and hard work, and it opens a tremendous opportunity for the next generation on the global stage. With the team winning today, we have all won once again. People reaching out to us, and we are reliving those golden moments.”
