Pooja Yadav 21-year-old, who hails from the outskirts of Varanasi, has created history in Purvanchal by being the first woman from the area to be selected for the senior Indian Women’s Hockey team.
Yadav’s commitment at the senior national camp in Bengaluru has guaranteed her a spot in the 26-man team that will travel to Perth for an important visit against Australia between April 26 and May 4, 2025.
Pooja said, “It felt incredible when I got the news. My parents and siblings were overwhelmed with joy. I hope this moment inspires girls from rural areas to chase their dreams.”
She started her journey in 2015 at a schoolyard close to her house. Even though she was often passed over for junior national selection, Pooja made an impression at the 2025 Senior Women’s National Championship and made her senior camp debut.
She has received invaluable guidance from midfielder Neha, who is also her roommate and mentor in the camp, both on and off the field.
Pooja now wants to make the most of her first chance to play for her country and secure her spot in the squad for upcoming tournaments, such as the FIH Pro League.
