Jasjeet Kaur Handa, vice-captain of the Indian women's national hockey team, has been a regular face and leading scorer for the team since the last many years. She was with the team when it won the gold at the 2004 Hockey Asia Cup. The Indian forward was awarded the Arjuna award in 2010. With more than 130 internationals goals to her credit, she is looking forward to a good performance in the Lanco International Super Series to be held in Perth this month.

In a chat with Akshi Aggarwal of Indian Sports News, Jasjeet talked about the role hockey has played in her life and her upcoming plans. Excerpts:

ISN: Tell us in short your journey so far in the hockey field?
Jasjeet: I started playing hockey when I was in second standard. My elder brother Jitendar Singh, who have played on the national level and my elder sister Rajvinder Kaur, who has represented Indian side internationally, were into the sport and my passion for the sport began at home. Mr Baldev Singh, my coach encouraged me while I used to play at Shahabad Hockey academy.

ISN: Tell us something about your family?
Jasjeet: Sports was already there in the roots. I got inspiration from my siblings, who were into hockey. My father expired a few years back and my mother is a house wife.

ISN: What are your views on the present scenario of Indian Hockey?
Jasjeet: I think the respect, attention and honour is due for the national game. I personally feel that in small towns and various parts there is still lot more craze for hockey than other sports. The sport has been in the roots of the nation.  I hope more exposure from media and government will definitely work for the national game.

ISN: Tell us something about your job and sponsors?
Jasjeet: I am an employee at Indian Railways and I’m sponsored by Sahara.

ISN: How important is hockey for you and how it has changed your life?
Jasjeet: I owe my present status and position to hockey. I would have been just another girl from a town in Haryana, if hockey would have not happened to me. It’s quite a possibility that I would have got married and leading a housewives’ life by now if I would have not taken hockey seriously few years back.

ISN: Where do you see yourself few years later?
Jasjeet: As of now just concentrating on the form. Few years later, I wish to get back to my town Shahabad and help kids there to learn hockey and take it to new heights.

ISN: What are your plans and strategy for the upcoming season?
Jasjeet: Well, I will be playing in the Lanco Super Series in Australia. The new format needs to be adapted to. It will be challenging and exciting too. The format requires skill and speed both. I’m hoping for a great season ahead.

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