Same thing but different: Yashdeep hopes to defend the heritage of Hockey Siwach

When she played, Pritam Siwach was fiery on the ground – aggressive, attacker, unstoppable. During the ongoing matches of the Professional League in Bhubaneswar, Yashdeep Siwach is exactly the opposite – calm, defensive and responsible for stopping the opposition.

The 23 -year -old, who made his debut for India at the Asian 2022 Cup, waited for another chance while trying to respect his mother’s standards – a legend in good faith in all ways , both as a player and coach. So far, in the two games he has played here, Yashdeep has been impressive with his positioning, composure and information.

“I try to be aggressive, but not as much as it, of course. But she was a center -forward – she could get away with it. As a defender, I have to stay calm, or I will end up making mistakes, “he laughed.

Unlike other countries, hockey players in India generally do not encourage their children to take sport. In Siwach’s house, however, hockey is a lifestyle. Pritam’s husband, Kuldeep, is also a former player, and together, they direct the Pritam Siwach Hockey Academy. Their daughter, Kanika, is also part of the national camp and, according to all accounts, about to win an Indian ceiling as soon as possible.

It was not easy, however, this expectation. “But this is the life of an athlete – there was someone before you and someone afterwards. So we are outside or outside. We all work hard and give our best in the camps. Everyone knows the structure and the plans; You just have to wait for your opportunities and seize them when they come. As a team, we all keep a trace of what’s going on in international hockey, and I take advantage of it, “admitted Yashdeep.

This helps to have parents who understand the fight. “There is a level of comfort, and I can speak openly to him about everything I could feel, on and off the field – of the game or otherwise. I know that there is someone I can always turn to mental relaxation, and she still helps me, “he added.

In the shadow of a legend

Pritam herself is clear about what her children should do. “It is a fact that anything, there will always be the shadow of a parent of hockey on them. They will have to prove themselves several times and I told them that they had to prepare for it. They must cut their own identity, separated from me. It will not be easy, but it is necessary to refute any accusation of bias.

“Abroad, no one is thinking about a child who follows his parents in sport. Here, it is a challenge anyway – if they play, there is a bias charge; If they do not do so, their viability is questioned, “she said.

Yashdeep is aware of the challenge and is more than ready for this. “It may seem filmed, but my mother always says, ‘Tune Pritam Siwach Ka Doodh Piya Hai, Tujhe Pritam ne Pala Hai. Main Bahut Agrasive Thi Field Pe, Woh Tere Khoon Mein Honi Chahiye. Woh Khundak Honi Chahiye Hamesha Ki Kiaise Koi Chala Jaye defeated Kar Ke. (You have been raised by Pritam Siwach. This attack should be in your blood, this indignation in the way anyone can exceed you.)

“He’s there, but not as much as his,” he smiles.

Pritam, an Arjuna winner as a player and Dronacharya winner as a coach, continues to contribute to Indian hockey. Three of his daughters were part of the Indian team at the Tokyo Olympic Games, 11 played in the first female hockey league of Hockey India, and five are with the national team of Bhubaneswar. She is currently overseeing the trials of the Haryana women’s team before the national championships. And she always learns.

“I want my children to appreciate everything they play. Yashdeep took horseback riding, played football and even accompanied me at seven months when I was trying to format myself for the 2002 Commonwealth Games. He is also an excellent swimmer and even won Silver at the Nationals Juniors , which developed his leg force and helped when he seriously decided to take hockey.

Swim in success

“And through him, I learned that swimming is the filon of the mother of all sports. Each child should learn for at least a year when leaving as a sportsman – he strengthens the overall force and endurance that can help in any sport. I also learn a lot of my daughters every day; It is an endless process, ”she explained.

The mother in her gets angry when Yashdeep makes a mistake. The coach in her is furious. “I think this is an advantage that there is eyes only focused on me – a personal coach, so to speak. I know that every time I go back to my room, she will call me, will signal my mistakes and try to help me improve, “said Yashdeep.

Pritam accepted. “It is difficult to find this balance, but on the ground, I am only a coach. Sometimes they complain that they do not get preferential treatment during training, but when I am at work, everyone is my child, ”she raised her shoulders.