Udita defeats critics and patriarchy with impressive comeback for India

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

- Sandip Sikdar

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.