Former Indian women’s hockey team captain Pritam Siwach has made significant contributions at the national level through her exceptional skills and leadership abilities. She is the first Indian female hockey coach to be honored with the prestigious Dronacharya Award.
Pritam was born on October 2, 1974, in Jharsa village, Gurugram. Despite social challenges, he began playing hockey at the age of 13. During his tenth grade year, when his family proposed marriage, Pritam firmly prioritized his sports career and took two years off.
In 1990, Pritam won the Best Player award at his first national competition. He then earned the Best Player award in his first international appearance at the Junior Asia Cup in 1992. His confidence was further strengthened by his appointment to the Railways that same year.
Even after marriage, Pritam’s sports career continued to progress with the support of her husband and parents. As captain, she led India to a silver medal at the 1998 Asian Games. Pritam played a crucial role in India’s gold medal win at the 2002 Commonwealth Games.
Pritam began coaching in 2002 and was appointed coach of the Indian women’s hockey team at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Currently, she runs The Pritam Siwach Academy in Sonipat, where she has trained several players who have reached the Olympic level.
For her outstanding contribution to hockey, Pritam was awarded the Arjuna Award in 1998 and the Dronacharya Award in 2021. Pritam Siwach’s life presents a stellar example of women empowerment and inspirational leadership in Indian sports.
His journey from a rural background to the international stage is a testimony to the fact that despite difficult circumstances and social barriers, success can be achieved through determination and dedication.