Khurshid Mastan has represented the country in national hockey tournaments a total of five times. Due to difficult financial circumstances, he had to put an end to his dream of becoming a world-renowned hockey player. He runs a puncture repair shop to earn a living.
Gorakhpur: The fervour and enthusiasm that Indians have for cricket is impressive, however, hockey, which holds the status of India’s national game, fails to get the same recognition. Hockey players don’t receive enough appreciation for keeping the sports alive. Achievements of one such hockey player, Khurshid Mastan remains unknown and underappreciated. Khurshid has represented the country in national hockey tournaments a total of five times.
Who is Khurshid Mastan?
Khurshid Mastan is a resident of Jatepur, Gorakhpur. His father, Mohammad Sharif ran a bicycle repair shop for more than 65 years. Khurshid is the youngest among his 6 siblings. After completing his schooling from Islamia College, he earned a BCom degree. He loved playing hockey since his childhood. Due to poor financial conditions, he used to help his father in minding the shop.
Love for hockey
Khurshid Mastan paid off his school and college fees by working alongside his father at the puncture shop. At the age of 12, he started playing hockey in hopes of improving his family’s financial conditions. Over the last few years, Khurshid has endured through unfortunate losses; his two brothers remain bedridden due to medical reasons and his father passed away last year. His father’s shop is the only means of earning for him. Despite facing such difficulties, Khurshid pursued hockey and represented India in various championships.
A national level umpire
Khurshid shares that he offers hockey training to young children. He also works as an umpire in national level competitions. On 30 November, he is scheduled to attend the hockey event at Shaheed Stadium in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow.
Khurshid mentions that if he did not have to shoulder his household’s responsibilities, he would have continued to pursue hockey. He imparts training to young children with hopes that they would make him proud one day.
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