Udita defeats critics and patriarchy with impressive comeback for India

The last year has been quite topsy turvy for Udita Duhan.

- Sandip Sikdar

Udita Duhan was named Player of the Tournament at Asia Cup.

Exactly 12 months ago, the India defender had emerged as the costliest buy at the Hockey India League (HIL) auction, getting sold to Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers for ₹32 lakh. Then, she played a critical role in the Indian women's hockey team winning gold at the Asian Champions Trophy in November 2024.

The period of joy continued for the 27-year-old as Udita tied the knot with India forward and two-time Olympic bronze medallist Mandeep Singh in March following which she took a month-long break.

When she returned to the national camp, she realised her fitness levels had dipped which eventually led to her getting dropped from the Indian team. As a result, she missed the European leg of the Pro League and the tour of Australia.

"My yo-yo test score had dipped below 17. Normally, my score is easily above that. I was away from hockey for a whole month and understandably my fitness went down," Udita told HT.

To make matters worse, Udita had to face patriarchal questions from multiple quarters, doubting her India career.