Madhuri Kindo Aims to Achieve Brother’s Dreams Through Hockey
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Synopsis
Madhuri Kindo, a promising Indian women's hockey player, aims to fulfill her brother Manoj's dreams through her sport. Selected for the national coaching camp for the second time, Kindo's journey reflects dedication, family support, and aspirations of achieving Olympic glory.
Key Takeaways
- Madhuri Kindo is a rising star in Indian women’s hockey.
- She aims to honor her brother Manoj through her career.
- Kindo began her journey in hockey at age eight.
- She transitioned from a defender to a goalkeeper.
- Her immediate goal is to debut for the Indian senior team.
New Delhi, March 28 (NationPress) In a compelling tale of determination and family bonds, the 23-year-old Madhuri Kindo, an emerging talent in Indian women’s hockey, has once again been selected for the core probable group in the ongoing senior women’s national coaching camp. This marks her second selection for this esteemed camp, having first been included in 2024.
Although Kindo has not yet made her senior team debut, she is committed to carrying forward the aspirations of her family, particularly her elder brother Manoj, a former national-level hockey player.
Kindo's hockey journey began at the age of eight in her village of Kadobahal, Rourkela. “I was inspired to play hockey by watching my elder brother, Manoj, who represented Odisha at the national level,” Kindo stated in a release by Hockey India.
Manoj, who is three years her senior, currently plays for the Army Hockey Team. Kindo views her career as a way to continue his legacy. “He was unable to achieve his dream of representing India at the highest level, and I want to fulfill that dream through my efforts,” she said.
Coming from a modest background, Kindo's father is a farmer and her mother a homemaker. Despite facing some financial hurdles, her family has always supported her pursuit of hockey. “My father had faith in me, and my aunt was the first to encourage me to take hockey seriously. Without their support, I wouldn't have come this far,” she noted.
“My parents have always advised me to focus on the present rather than worry about the future. I aspire to make them proud and ensure that people recognize them because of my achievements,” she added.
Kindo’s professional journey began when she joined the Panposh Sports Hostel in Rourkela in 2012, where she began refining her skills under coach Amulya Nanda Bihari. By 2021, she made her way into the Indian junior women’s team, participating in international events like the 2023 Junior Asia Cup, where India secured a gold medal, and the 2023 Junior World Cup. Her strong performances in these tournaments led to her inclusion in the senior national camp in 2024.
Interestingly, Kindo initially started as a defender but transitioned to goalkeeping after one of her coaches recognized her height and agility. Although the switch was daunting, she quickly adapted. Madhuri soon discovered that goalkeeping required not only physical skills but also leadership and mental resilience—qualities she eagerly developed.
As a goalkeeper, Kindo has a unique viewpoint on the game. “From the goal, you can see the entire field. I've learned to manage my team, inspire them under pressure, and motivate them to keep pushing,” she explained.
One of her significant learning experiences occurred during her time with the junior team when she played a crucial role in winning a gold medal at the Junior Asia Cup. “Winning that tournament was a moment of immense pride for me, my family, and my village. After our victory, many villagers, including the Sarpanch, visited my home to congratulate my parents. It made me realize I could bring pride to my family and make my mark on the senior stage as well,” she shared.
Moreover, Kindo’s brother Manoj was ecstatic about the title win. As someone who nurtured her passion for hockey, he felt immense pride. “It felt like he was experiencing his dream through me,” she reminisced. “He immediately messaged me, expressing how proud he was and how my success felt like his own.”
Kindo’s dedication has already brought her memorable moments. In 2023, during the FIH Junior Women’s World Cup, she made four consecutive saves in a tense penalty shootout against New Zealand, helping India secure the win. “That moment boosted my self-confidence,” she recalled. “Knowing I could stand strong when my team needed me most is something I will cherish forever.”
Kindo, who has represented Odisha in various national tournaments, idolizes Indian women’s team goalkeeper Savita, a living legend in the sport. “Savita di is my role model,” she said. “During the junior camp, I would watch her play repeatedly—her saves, leadership, and composure. Even now, training alongside her, I am learning so much about handling pressure and motivating the team. She feels like an elder sister to me.”
Kindo’s immediate goal is to debut for the Indian senior team, but her aspirations extend much further. “My dream is to win an Olympic medal for India,” she declared. “I want to play for as long as possible and give my parents and brother the recognition they deserve. They have given me everything, and now it's my turn to give back,” she concluded.
