Jaipur, Dec 5 (NationPress) After facing numerous personal challenges and heart-wrenching tragedies, Nikita Toppo has emerged as a beacon of hope, leading the women’s hockey team from the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) to a historic gold medal at the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) 2025, taking place in Rajasthan.

The 22-year-old Nikita experienced profound loss at a young age, having lost both parents when she was just five years old. Tragically, one of her elder brothers died in a severe accident just as she was en route to the U-23 Five-Nations Cup in Ireland three years prior. Subsequently, she faced a career-threatening injury, and soon after, her only surviving brother was involved in an accident that left him with a skull injury from which he is still recovering.

Despite these numerous setbacks, Nikita has found solace in hockey, playing a crucial role in guiding KIIT to a gold medal in their inaugural KIUG appearance.

“Previously, we struggled to compete effectively against many strong university teams from Odisha. However, over the past year, my coach and I focused on assembling a talented team, and when we arrived here, our resolve to win was unwavering,” Nikita shared with SAI Media after her team triumphed over ITM University, Gwalior, to secure the gold medal.

During the final match, Nikita showcased her skills as a defensive midfielder, effectively controlling the game's tempo and preventing ITM players from breaching her team's defenses. Yet, it is her resilience and mental clarity that truly distinguishes her.

“I believe that everything that has occurred is beyond change. I concentrate on the present and accept my circumstances. I strive to remain strong for my team and family, and I avoid dwelling on my insecurities and past misfortunes,” she expressed, detailing how she has managed to rise above her personal adversities.

“The incident with my brother in 2022 was devastating, but I refused to let it hinder me, nor did I want my team to suffer because of my grief. No matter how deeply I miss him, he cannot return,” Nikita reflected, noting that she was unable to attend his last rites.

Following this, the Indian team earned a silver medal at the U-23 Five-Nations Cup. Nikita's hockey journey began in 2016 when she joined the government sports hostel in Panposh, Rourkela. She was also part of the Indian U-21 team that performed admirably during their tour of South Africa in 2023, winning four matches and drawing one.

However, a ligament injury sustained during a Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) training camp in 2023 and her other brother's accident meant it took her nearly a year to recover both physically and mentally before returning to the field.

Nikita's immediate goal is to compete in the senior nationals as a member of the Odisha team and win a medal, while her long-term aspiration is to represent India in significant competitions and secure stable employment.

She allocates part of her earnings from the Khelo India Scheme towards hockey, while saving the remainder to create a dream home for her brother, ensuring he has a proper place to recover. “Having a place to call home is my greatest desire. I have always lived with relatives,” shared Nikita, who is currently in her second year of Home Science at KIIT.