Neeru Yadav
Neeru Yadav, known as the "Hockey Wali Sarpanch," is a trailblazer from Narnaul, Haryana, who became the youngest Sarpanch of Lambi Ahir, Rajasthan. Defying gender norms, she transformed her village through her passion for hockey and community development. Neeru founded a women’s hockey team, empowering rural girls by providing equipment, coaching, and access to a playground at Singhania University. She sacrificed her Sarpanch honorarium to fund these initiatives, ensuring girls could pursue sports. Beyond sports, Neeru has driven progress in education, skill development, and women’s empowerment, making Lambi Ahir a model of social change.
As Sarpanch, Neeru Yadav resolved to promote girls’ sports in rural areas, focusing on hockey. She faced challenges head-on, convincing parents to allow their daughters to play, securing high-quality equipment with her own funds, and arranging access to a suitable playground at Singhania University, 10 km from Lambi Ahir. Her efforts have empowered young women to pursue sports, fostering confidence and breaking stereotypes. Neeru’s initiatives extend to education and skill development, ensuring holistic growth for her community.
