City girl Khushboo Khan proved the saying ‘Where there is a will, there is a way.’ Khushboo, who lives in the slums of Jehangirabad has been selected in Indian Women’s Hockey Team.
She is the first female hockey player selected from Bhopal. Interestingly, the 16-year-old Khushboo is the youngest player of Indian Women’s Hockey Team.
Khusboo feels really elated on this achievement. She told The Pioneer, “I am not only contented to be a part of the Indian Hockey Team but, also feel proud to be here. I will try and give my best in the matches.” Currently, Khusboo is in Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre, Bengaluru practicing the game.
Khushboo has been selected as a goalkeeper for Belgium tour.
Khushboo’s life has been a roller coaster ride with many ups and downs and struggles. The daughter of an auto-rickshaw driver, Khushboo does not even have a bicycle to ride till the stadium. Khushboo would walk 12 kilometers all the way from Jehangirabad to Major Dhyanchnad Hockey Stadium and then to Aishbagh Stadium.
At Major Dhyanchand Stadium, Khushboo used to play with male players for practicing the game. While talking about why she chose hockey, Khushboo said, “Initially, I was interested in cricket and badminton. But, when I joined a summer camp at lal Parade Ground, I started to build an interest in hockey.
Then I took professional training at Major Dhyanchand Hockey Stadium, after which I was selected for State level championships.”
Khushboo, lives with her father Shabbir Khan, mother and five siblings in Bhopal. Khushboo said that she feels really lucky that her family has always been supportive towards her dreams.
After getting selected for Indian Team, Khushboo said, “My parents have been a great support for me from the beginning. Now as I am heading towards new ventures, I will make their dreams come true.” Talking about her experience of being in Indian team she said, “Being in the team too, I feel motivated and supported.”
The tournament will be held in Belgium from July 14 to 21, for women's junior team. As she shared about her excitement, Khushboo said, “I am very confident and positive towards the Belgium tournament.”
Now Khushboo aims for achieving a medal in Olympic Games.