Lucknow, January 23 ARJUNA AWARDEE Pritam Rani Sivach represents a special section of women's hockey in India. She is the youngest 'bahu' of a family of 14, wife and the mother of two kids. But above all, she is an ace forward in the Indian women's hockey team.

Juggling her diverse roles skillfully, Pritam Rani Sivach of Panipat does 'special things' from morning to evening and is happy that she is the perfect sportswoman who can play so many 'games' at one time. "It's a baseless concept that a married woman, having kids, can't play good hockey," Sivach told Hindustan Times. "If you look at the teams from European countries, you will find that most players are married and have kids."

For Sivach, all this is possible because of tremendous support from her in-laws, kids and most importantly, her husband, who understand Pritam's love for the game. "My mother-in-law Geena supported me to complete my NIS. My father-in-law Chaudhury Leelu Ram still takes care of my kids Yash (7) and Yashika (2) while I am away training kids in Sonipat on a routine basis," says the ex-captain.

"My husband Kuldeep, who is also an ex-hockey player, gives me full support. He comes back from office and help me in finishing the household chores," she says.

While at home, Pritam is the typical housewife, cooking for the family, sweeping the house, taking care of the kids, besides other tasks.

"Before I got married to Kuldeep, I made sure that he had no opposition to my playing hockey. He is very supporting to me even today," says the Arjuna Awardee, who travels almost three hours by train from Sonipat to New Delhi to do her duty at the Northern Railway office.

Players like Manjinder Kaur (one son), Mamta Dalal (two sons), Amandeep Kaur (one son), Sunam Deshwal (one son) and Sunita Dalal (a daughter), all have played for the country and are still doing good in the domestic circuit for the Northern Railway.

"When players in other countries having kids can play good hockey, why can't we?" asked former assistant coach of the Indian women's hockey, Anurita Saini. "Kids or no kids. It doesn't make any difference. If somebody is good enough, she should be picked up," said Anurita, who also happens to be the Northern Railway coach.

Courtesy: Hindustan Times (Lucknow)