National hockey player Neha sells street food to support her family in Hamirpur: The India Tribune

Dinesh Kanwar

Hamirpur, November 21

Neha, a national level hockey player, is fighting an uphill battle. After her father fell ill about a year ago, she was forced to sell street food to feed her family.

Chander Singh, Neha’s father, was a fish seller. The family now live in a makeshift tin shed here. Neha was selected by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) because of her excellent hockey skills while in Class VIII. She represented the state twice at the National Junior Hockey Championship and once won the silver medal. She had also represented the University of Punjab, Chandigarh, in weightlifting at the National University Games.

Neha said her family slept on an empty stomach after her father fell ill. She had no choice but to resort to selling fast food to support her family.

Her younger brother, Ankush, is studying at a public school and her sister Nikita is at Government Degree College here. Nikita also helps his sister at her booth in the evening, the player said.

Neha said they were allocated around 80 square meters of land in Ward No 10 but the case for granting funds for building a house was gathering dust in government offices. Although she played three national games and won a silver medal, she had no hope of finding a job. She regretted not being able to train a lot but had played a few matches because the team’s organizers were paying Rs 1,500 per tournament.

Kishori Lal, chief executive, said the matter was within the knowledge of city council. A request for the release of funds for the house, under the leadership of Prime Minister Awas Yojna, has been sent to the Director of Urban Development. “We are expecting funds for Chander Singh’s family soon,” he added.

The family lives in a tin shed

The family now live in a makeshift tin shed here. Neha was selected by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) because of her excellent hockey skills while in Class VIII. She represented the state twice at the National Junior Hockey Championship and once won the silver medal. She had also represented the University of Punjab, Chandigarh, in weightlifting at the National University Games.