Darjeeling has a very rich history of producing sports superstars. Tragically due to lack of exposure and facilities, most of those with the potential to excel in sports had been relegated to the sidelines. However, all that is changing today, thanks to efforts put in by a few individuals, who are working hard behind the scenes to give a proper platform for our youths to perform to the best of their abilities. Ms. Kamlesh Rai is one such super coach under whose tutelage new sports stars are shining in the national sky. We are happy to report that one of Darjeeling’s own Rubi Kumari Prasad, who trained under Kamlesh Ma’am could be selected to the Indian National Hockey Team (women’s).

This is her story…

Name: Rubi Kumari Prasad
Ama: Heera Devi
Baba: Prem Kumar Prasad
School (s): St.Michael / St.Teresa Higher Secondary school Darjeeling
College (s): St. Joseph’s College, Darjeeling

TheDC: What inspired you to want to pursue hockey?
Ans: Since my childhood, I was always interested in sports and when I reached class 5 my school started hockey practice then I joined. I have continued to play since then.

TheDC: Were your family supportive of your decision?
Ans: Yes my family is very supportive and only because of their support I reached where I am today.

TheDC: Tell us about your journey so far?
Ans: My journey was like a rollercoaster filled with ups and downs. Sometimes I even thought of quitting, but my love for hockey never let me do that. The most important thing is that I believed in myself.

TheDC: How did you prepare? What were the hurdles, how did you overcome them?
Ans: To be honest, if a person chooses to be a sportsman the individual shouldn’t think that any hurdles can stop them it’s nothing, and I believe that I’m a very strong woman. All these qualities which I have been taught by my own Guru Mom Miss Kamlesh, and I’m very lucky to have her. Thank you Miss Kamlesh for believing in me.

TheDC: Getting selected to Indian National Hockey Team is very difficult, can you please inform us about how that happened?
Ans: Everything is difficult until you make it simple by your self and I think I can’t grow without taking more responsibilities, challenges, and risks.

TheDC: Where do you see yourself, five years from today?
Ans: I hope to see myself five years from today playing for my Nation. Playing for India has always been a dream.

TheDC: What suggestions would you give those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Ans: Discipline, consistency, hard work, and self-belief. Everyone should have these qualities.

We wish Rubi very good luck and we hope that her story will inspire thousands of other youngsters to follow their dreams and work hard towards achieving them. We hope to see her play for India in Olympics one day.

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The objective of the event was to provide a platform for the young talents who show great potential for the game so that they are provided with an opportunity to participate at various state and national levels tournaments.

What set the day apart was the conscientious effort on the part of the Association to adhere to the Zero Waste Policy. The participating teams were asked to carry their own water bottles, plates and spoons. The guests were gifted potted plants to promote the message of ‘go green’ and thereby curtailing the use of plastic at all levels. Students participating in the event were made aware of environmental responsibility through a medium close to their hearts.

In the boy’s event, Darjeeling Montessori House of Children won over Ghoom boys. Vidhya Jyoti Academy, Bijanbari were the second runner up.

In the girl’s event, St.Teresa “A ” Team emerged as the winner and Nepali Girls High School as Runner up and St.Teresa “B” as second runners up.

Alfonsa Rai from St Teresa and Ablikh Thapa, Darjeeling Montessori House of Children have judged the best players and Riyesh Sharma, Darjeeling Montessori House of Children and Sonammit Lepcha, St. Teresa’s Girls’ Higher Secondary School was awarded as promising players.

The Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Hockey Association also felicitated those four girls football players who played Subrato Mukerjee Trophy at Delhi recently and the two best players of JN Hockey Tournament at Kolkata.

The inspiration did not end until the closure of the day with St. Teresa’s Girls’ Higher Secondary School and Darjeeling Montessori House of Children cleaning up the area.

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Change does not happen overnight, but if we all start making conscious decisions to cut out disposable plastics from our lives, it is not very far away.

Now, it is high time that every organisation in different fields should think of going zero waste and reduce plastic footprint to help mother nature fight against climate change. As a small step toward creating awareness on the issue, the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Hockey Association organised a friendly match under the theme of Gender Equity.

The event was to set an example for the younger generation to realize their responsibilities and carry on the legacy and the values they had instilled in each player. The best part of the programme was to see people’s enthusiasm for building a clean environment.

The committee had requested each participant to bring their own Mugs, Plates and water in reusable water bottles and it was very inspiring to see kids eating out of their own plates. We had also arranged biodegradable Malas (garlands) and Taparas (leaf plates) for the guests.

It is our humble request to every event organizing committee, bet it sports or any kind of public and private celebrations, to avoid using single-use plastic. In today’s time, it has become critical to inculcate such habits into our children then we can show them the right path for the future.”

Kamlesh Rai head coach of St Teresa’s Higher Secondary School, Darjeeling said “the new members of Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Hockey Association also felicitated the senior members of the association today in appreciation of service and contribution for upliftment of hockey in Darjeeling.”

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