With dreams of becoming the best hockey player in the world, Rushna came to Australia in 2017.
She plays for the UTS Club in the ‘open category’ and says that the decision was extremely helpful in developing her as a quality player.
“From standing position to running, from fitness levels to heart-best everything about a player are monitored in Australia.
"Every aspect of the sport is taken seriously in Australia. Training, fitness and game-play and all these things matter today in hockey."
Rushna joined St George Hockey Club in Sydney as her first stint. But it was not easy but Rushna says that it was worth the effort.
“It took me almost two years before I got a response from the club. They showed interest in my game and offered me to play for them.”
Born in Lahore, Rushna started her studies at Samnabad school and later completed her higher education at the Lahore College.
“Since school, I was really interested to play sports even though none of my family members had any sporting background. In college, I used to play every sport including netball, football, basketball, handball and hockey.
“My mum used to say why I waste my time in sports and focus more on studies.
“But it was a hockey match that I played at the intercollegiate level. Being the first match, the coach asked me to play as goal-keeper. My coach told me that I was really quick and has very fast reflexes, something which is essential for a goal-keeper.
In college, I used to play every sport including netball, football, basketball, handball and hockey.
Rushna said that the match continued till the penalty shoot-out. She was able to stop all the penalties against a team that had not lost the tournament since the last eight years.
“All the players rushed towards me and held me sky-high. It was at that moment I decided that I should play hockey as a profession and make a difference.”
Challenges for a Female player in Pakistan
Rushna told SBS Urdu that although she loved the game it was extremely challenging to event visit ground and play.
“We have to understand that only those women succeed in Pakistan who are supported by their families.
“My mother and siblings everyone supported me. Even my husband and in-laws are appreciative of what I am doing and happy that I continue playing Hockey.
“How can you play Hockey in shalwar or an abaya. One has to wear comfortable clothes like trousers or tights that assist in your game.”
“Ogling is very common in Pakistan. Every man stares at you when you play.”
“What are you wearing? is the comment you hear from random people staring at your body. From ground staff to the neighbours every man has a view on you.
“There are so many talented female players in Pakistan but they don’t play because of family pressure.
But even with family support, Rushna said that women hockey tournaments and tours are very limited to excel in the game.
“There is no continuous cycle of play. There is only one tour a year in Pakistan which is marred by politics and in-fighting.
“At that time I decided that I have to play Hockey and could play in leagues abroad.
The Aussie experience
Rushna says that Australian Hockey is played at state levels compared to Pakistan championships where departments play each other.
“It seems that when we won a World Cup and achieved success internationally, we decided to play that type of Hockey, which is being played even today.
However, Rushna says that these facilities can only be used when there are funding and enough resources.
“There is no budget and the government does not look into this matter. We can’t really blame the officials or the players. Every step requires funds.
“People see the results but behind the scenes reality is different.”
“After looking at players at the international stage, I can easily say that Pakistani men and women have great potential.”
