HIGHLIGHTS:
• Mumtaz Khan, 19, has become India’s new hockey sensation
• Mumtaz’s family is receiving love and gratitude from Lucknow
Mumtaz Khan’s strong drag-flick brought the ball crashing into the nets, sending the girls in blue into frenetic celebrations, while the delights of her mother, Qaiser Jahan, who sells vegetables in Lucknow, knew no bounds.
India’s new hockey sensation
Mumtaz Khan, 19, has become India’s new hockey sensation, leading her side to the top division while awing opponents with her dribbling and powerplay with her stick. Mumtaz’s family, who makes a living by selling vegetable, is receiving love and gratitude from Lucknow, the city of Nawabs as well as hockey fans.
Mumtaz Khan’s hockey stick is smashing not only India’s mighty adversaries, but also age-old patriarchal taboos. Mumtaz Khan, one of her six daughters, has dealt a resounding slap to all those who have mocked her for having only girls in the past.
My daughter is equal to 100 sons, said Qaiser Jahan
“People frequently commented that I only have daughters. Mumtaz has made us proud and shattered societal barriers “Qaiser Jahan, who owns a vegetable shop in Lucknow.”
While Qaiser Jahan earned Rs 300 per day as a manager, she went above and beyond to help Mumtaz Khan achieve her ambition of wearing the blue jersey and representing India on astroturf. The financial strain proved insufficient for Mumtaz Khan to fly with the girls in blue to South Africa to play for the country.
Mumtaz Khan’s performance
Mumtaz Khan, along with the other Indian under-19 girls in blue, is leading the squad to new heights, with a quarter-final ticket already secured. Mumtaz Khan had guided India to an unassailable lead with a 3-1 scoreline against Wales in the FIH Women’s Junior World Cup in Potchefstroom, South Africa, not only by converting the penalty shoot, but also with a spectacular field goal in the 41st minute. India won the match 5-1 in the end.
Mumtaz’s hockey career
Mumtaz Khan’s hockey career began when she travelled to Agra for a race and was seen by Neelam Siddiqui, who trained her at the KD Singh Babu Stadium’s Sports Hostel.
“I am extremely proud of my daughter for representing her country. Because of her, we’re gaining a lot of respect “Mumtaz’s mother stated.
“My sister is an international hockey player, and I am proud of her. Despite our poverty, our parents have raised us to be capable of self-sufficiency “Mumtaz Khan’s sister, Farha Khan, agreed.
