Inspired by Harmanpreet, Navneet Kaur sets sights on World Cup and Olympic glory

Women’s cricket in India has found a new icon in Harmanpreet Kaur, whose leadership inspired a nation and culminated in a historic ODI World Cup triumph last year.

That success has rippled far beyond cricket, igniting belief in athletes across disciplines. In Indian hockey, Navneet Kaur is channelling that same fire.

“Seeing Harmanpreet Kaur and the Indian women’s cricket team lift the World Cup tells us what is possible,” said Navneet Kaur, her voice carrying both inspiration and intent.

“It gives us belief that we can achieve the same in hockey. Our goal is clear, to stand on the podium at the World Cup and then bring home a medal from the LA 2028 Olympics.”

Navneet - fondly known as ‘Navi’ - has already established herself as the heartbeat of the Indian women’s hockey team’s offensive line and a symbol of a team that refuses to stop dreaming.

At the recent FIH World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, Navneet rose to the occasion when the stakes were at their highest. In the high-pressure tournament, her goals powered India to a runner-up finish and sealed qualification for the FIH World Cup later this year.

She was the only player to score a hat-trick in the high-pressure tournament and was fittingly named Player of the Tournament - a recognition of her ability to deliver when it mattered most.

But beyond the numbers lies something deeper - a quiet determination shaped by watching champions like Harmanpreet.

“When you see an Indian (cricket) team win at that level, it changes your mindset,” Navneet said. “You stop hoping and start believing. That is what we want as a team - to go all the way.”

That belief is sharpened by memories that still sting. India came heartbreakingly close to an Olympic medal at Tokyo 2020, finishing fourth, a result that left the team proud, yet painfully aware of how near they were to history. For Navneet, that moment has become fuel.

“We were so close, and that feeling stays with you,” she reflected. “It pushes you during training, during matches, during the toughest moments. We don’t want to miss out again.”

Navneet’s journey to this stage, however, began far from the spotlight.

In Shahabad Markanda, a small town in Haryana known for producing hockey talent, a nine-year-old girl picked up a stick and refused to let it go. Her father had envisioned a different path - cricket - but Navneet’s heart was already set.

“My father wanted me to play cricket, but I was drawn to hockey,” she recalled. “Even as a child, I was very clear. I would train for hours and never wanted to miss practice. I just loved being on the field.”

That love was tested repeatedly. The road to the national team demanded sacrifices - long, exhausting training sessions, time away from home and the emotional toll of chasing a dream that often feels distant. Yet, she never wavered.

“There were difficult days,” Navneet admitted. “Being away from family, pushing yourself every day - it’s not easy. But I never thought of giving up. Hockey gave me happiness, and that kept me going.”

Today, with over 200 international caps, Navneet is no longer just a player - she is a leader, a guide and a pillar within the team. As vice-captain, she understands that her role extends beyond scoring goals.

“As a senior, I feel responsible for the younger players,” she said. “I try to share my experiences and help them settle in. When everyone grows together, the team becomes stronger.”

Life in the national camp is a world of its own - structured, demanding and often isolating. Players spend nearly ten months a year together, away from the comforts of home. For Navneet, it is the simplest things she misses the most.

“Home-cooked food,” she said with a smile. “That’s what I miss the most. And of course, being with my family. When I get time off in Bengaluru, I like to step out a bit, but when I go home, I just want to be with them.”

From a determined young girl in Haryana to one of India’s most dependable forwards, Navneet’s journey is one of resilience, sacrifice and unwavering belief. She carries not just her own ambitions, but the hopes of a team inspired by history and driven by unfinished dreams.

As Indian hockey looks ahead to the World Cup and the Olympics, Navneet’s words echo with quiet conviction.

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