India’s Women’s hockey team chief coach, Harendra Singh, has hailed Deepika Kumari as a rising force in the sport. However, Deepika’s path to hockey was unexpected, as she was destined to be a wrestling star instead.

In Haryana, where wrestling mats dominate the sporting landscape, Deepika Kumari’s path to hockey was anything but expected. Wrestling was the family tradition—her brother, uncle, and grandfather were all wrestlers. But her heart was drawn to a different game.

“Most people in Haryana choose wrestling when they pursue a sport,” Deepika recalled. “My family didn’t want me to play hockey at all.”

Her journey to becoming India’s hockey sensation began as she passed a group of girls playing on a field during her walks to wrestling practice. Soon after, despite her family's reluctance, she decided to pursue hockey, and it soon became clear that this was the sport she wanted to dedicate herself to. 

Her childhood coach, Ejas Singh Malik, recognised her potential early.  “He pointed out that since I have the strength in my body because of my background in wrestling, I had an advantage,” Deepika said. “That’s when I started learning drag-flicking seriously.”

Malik’s advice paid off. In a team navigating Gurjit Kaur’s absence due to injury, coach Janneke Schopman called up Deepika. Later, she stepped up as India’s primary drag-flicker. 

“Janneke told me I could step up in Gurjit’s absence,” she shared. “Even Gurjit has taught me so much.”

Fast forward to February 2024, the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar buzzed with excitement as India faced the USA in the FIH Pro League. At 20, Deepika Kumari, called into action, controlled a seemingly overshot pass from Vandana Katariya. From an acute angle, she unleashed a precise tomahawk strike into the top corner, giving India the lead.

“I didn’t think much; it just came naturally,” Deepika recalls. “But hearing the crowd roar, it felt unreal.”

Her goal was more than just a score—it was a statement. A rising drag-flicker with attacking flair, Deepika was asserting her place on the international stage.

While, Deepika wrestling roots shaped her resilience and strength, but hockey has given her a new identity.

The proud Deepika affirmed, “Every time I step onto the field, I remind myself why I chose this path”. 

As she cements her place in the Indian women’s team, Deepika’s story is one of courage, talent, and the determination to break free from tradition—one tomahawk shot at a time.