The path of Neeru Yadav is evidence of how passion and tenacity may lead to positive change. Neeru, a native of Narnaul, Haryana, set out on an extraordinary journey to become the “Hockey Wali Sarpanch.” Against cultural expectations, she defied gender norms and made the decision to improve her neighborhood. She was elected as the first young Sarpanch of Lambi Ahir in Rajasthan thanks to her unwavering commitment to social advancement. Neeru’s love of hockey inspired her to empower women, which she did by starting a women’s hockey team in her community. Neeru sacrificed her salary in order to pay for specialized playgrounds, hockey gear, uniforms, and coaching for the team. She worked on issues other than athletics, such as education, skill development, and empowerment of women in Lambi Ahir.