I had a brief stint with hockey in school. Being in an all- girls school, the notion of 'boy's sports' or 'girl's sports' had not registered in my mind until very late.

Inside the walls of school, we were always encouraged to expand our horizons. Although, the mindset that prevailed outside was quite orthodox. Us girls were told repeatedly, "hockey is no sport for girls. Your delicate body will get injured. Play something like badminton."

Subsequently, all the girls I knew lost their interest in hockey and learned to cheer for cricket as bystanders.

However, seeing the Indian Women Hockey Team at the Olympics has given us new hope. Medal or not, people of India abandoning India Vs England cricket match to watch Women's Hockey is a win in itself.

Girls are no longer delicate beings who should be safely tucked and play "appropriate" sports but they are expanding the domain of sports. Children will not only look up to Rahul Dravid as 'The Wall' but also Savita Punia who made back to back heroic saves as the Indian Goalkeeper in Tokyo Olympics 2021.

It's safe to say, hockey has made a come back in people's hearts and this time, it's here to stay.