Tanushree Kadu has made history as the first player from Yavatmal city to represent India in junior hockey. She played a crucial role in securing India’s gold medal at the recent Junior Asian Hockey Championship held in Moki, China. This championship marks a significant achievement for the Indian junior team, underscoring the growing talent in the sport at the grassroots level.
India defeated host China 1-0 in the final.
Tanushree, an alumnus of Abhyankar Girls’ School and Junior College, Yavatmal, delivered impressive performances in matches against Japan, Pakistan and China, said Shahid Sayyed, under whom she trained in the initial days. She played at different positions, including right-in and centre-forward.
Deputy headmaster Avinash Joshi said Tanushree studied from Class V to Class X at Abhyankar Girls’ School. She also received training under Khelo India coach Gaurav Nimbalkar. After representing Maharashtra in the School National Hockey Championship, Tanushree was selected for the Krida Prabodhini in Pune. She was subsequently selected for SAI Mumbai Centre. Her progress continued with selection for an Indian hockey camp held in Bengaluru, from where she earned a place in Indian team. Women’s Education Society president AP Darda, secretary and CEO Ramesh Munot, HM Sunita Darda, sports teacher Sanjay Battawar and others congratulated Tanushree.