During the 'Banega To Badhega Bharat' session at the India Today Conclave 2024, Sanjana Dungdung, a promising hockey player hailing from Jharkhand's Simdega district, shared her aspirations of representing the nation on the hockey field. Emphasizing her long-standing dream of donning the national colors, she expressed gratitude towards her hardworking parents and conveyed her determination to make them proud through her sporting endeavors.
With a journey in hockey spanning since 2017, Sanjana's ambition resonates deeply with her upbringing and her fervent desire to contribute to the nation's sporting legacy. Despite facing challenges, including her mother's occupation as a house help in Mumbai and her father's livelihood as a farmer, Sanjana remains steadfast in her pursuit of excellence.
Accompanied by fellow panelists such as Manoj Konbegi, Vice President of Hockey Jharkhand, and Abhishek Pandey, an IAS officer, Sanjana's story epitomizes the resilience and aspirations of young athletes from humble backgrounds.
Manoj Konbegi shared the inspiring narrative behind the establishment of the Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Simdega district, highlighting the district's significant contributions to women's hockey. He recounted the determination of female hockey players from Simdega who competed at the Jawaharlal Nehru Hockey Tournament in Delhi, underscoring their aspirations for better facilities to enhance their performance.
Abhishek Pandey, in his role as an IAS officer, recounted his initiative to establish space observatories in over 100 government schools in his district. Motivated by the need to bridge the learning gap exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Pandey's endeavor aimed to inspire students through the wonders of astronomy, symbolizing the spirit of innovation and community engagement.
Sanjana's story, alongside the narratives of her fellow panelists, embodies the ethos of determination, resilience, and community-driven progress, resonating with the broader theme of empowerment and aspiration at the India Today Conclave 2024.
