Bigan basks in limelight

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Riding high on her performance in the Junior Women’s Hockey World Cup bronze medal play-off, India goalkeeper Bigan Soy said she “had never dreamt of getting such recognition” when she began playing with bamboo sticks.

“I am extremely happy as I never expected that such a felicitation was awaiting me when I used to play with bamboo sticks,” Bigan was quoted as saying after the Jharkhand government presented her with a cheque of `5 lakh in Ranchi on Friday. Hockey Jharkhand also rewarded her with `51,000 for helping India clinch the bronze medal in the event.
Bigan, who began her career as a forward, also thanked her coach who advised her to
switch her position early in the career.
“I started my career as a forward, and would have never seen this day had I continued in that position. But thanks to my coach who advised that I am better suited as a goalkeeper, and I will have better chances of playing at a higher level as a goalkeeper. I readily agreed, and the decision turned out what you see today,” said the 20-year-old who now trains at the Sports Authority of India’s centre in Jharkhand.
Bigan was benched for most part of the tournament, but was called on in the play-off for the bronze. She pulled it off with a stellar show in the penalty shootout.
“When my opportunity came, I just focused on the ball to thwart its direction away from the goalpost. The opponents tried to put psychological pressure on me in different ways, including shouting, but such things happen and my focus was unwavering,” she said replaying the 20 crucial minutes of her life that helped the team fetch bronze.
Talking about her competition with the team’s other goalkeeper, Ningombam of Manipur, Bigan said the two shared a healthy understanding.
“While she is better in game situations, I am considered better in shootouts. It is a healthy rivalry,” she said.
While Bigan is still basking in the limelight of the triumph, the road ahead gets tougher for her. “I will work harder to improve myself in game situations as well,” she says.