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Planet Field Hockey

By Dana Brzozkiewicz

Comprised of faces from around the world, the US mens field hockey team symbolizes the heart and soul of America: its cultural diversity. By
participating in international tournaments and socializing in each other’s homes, the team members experience a variety of backgrounds and ideals that
enriches their lives and increases their knowledge. Regardless of different faces, the team members' open minds and common goals surpass these differences while continuing to connect and share similar experiences. On and off the field, this diverse team unites as one and is working toward becoming the face of success.


A Unique Face Mask

Born in Pakistan, a country with sizable field hockey popularity, Afzal Siddiqui accredits family and culture as determining factors in picking up goalie pads and a mask. At age 22, Siddiqui began field hockey at UC Berkeley and played with past-Olympians.

"I chose field hockey because it was familiar in Pakistan and I had Uncles play there," Siddiqui said. "I had always been a goalie as a kid because I liked to be the one to save the team."

Now playing with the men’s elite team, Siddiqui incorporates his own culture with those of his team members, teaching, sharing and learning at the same time. Siddiqui stayed with the family of Ian Scally, also a member of the elite team who is from Argentina, and discovered a new way of life.

"It was eye opening for me to stay with Ian’s family and learn more about Argentina and South America," Siddiqui said. "Ian’s dad is a two-time Olympian for Argentina and taught me how to balance field hockey in my life and how to make sacrifices."

On the field, each player brings a new element to the team and Head Coach Shiv Jagday combines the players’ diverse backgrounds into a cohesive group.

"Everyone brings something different," Siddiqui said. "Shiv sees what we are good at and encourages us to merge our talents with the group."


The Face of Defense

At age 10, Shawn Nakamura picked up a stick after his father saw a field hockey advertisement. Inspired by the enthusiasm of a former national team player, Nakamura made the junior national team at age 15 and was selected twice as US male field hockey athlete of the year in 1999 and 2001. Now, he leads the team into a future with endless possibilities.

"At first, I played field hockey for fun," Nakamura said. "Lately, I know our team can come together and make the Olympics."

Goal-orientated and driven by heart, Nakamura respects and learns from the diverse backgrounds of his teammates.

"I’ve learned a lot about Indian culture by playing on the team," Nakamura said. "When I was younger, I was afraid of the Indian food and now I love it."

On the field, Nakamura doesn’t feel culture plays a huge part during the game and likes to think that the US team is made up of the best from every country.

"In Scotland, a technical delegate said, ‘the best from India and Japan play on the US team,’" Nakamura said. "My teammates are from a lot of different places, but I don’t see an Indian or a Pakistan. I see an American."


Facing Forward

Born in England with an Indian heritage, Rinku Bahmber watched his father and Uncle establish the LA Tigers club at age 12. Influenced by his family, other older Indian players and the Indian community, Bahmber grew up with field hockey and played in numerous clubs in Los Angeles, Camarillo and Moorpark.

"In India, field hockey is a bigger sport and more of a national past time than in the United States. I saw my dad and Uncle's passion for the game and they influenced me to become passionate, too." Bahmber said. "Playing field hockey was engraved in my blood. Now, I can't stay away for more than a week."

Bahmber learned how to make a team great by being a leader on a national team. Being committed, staying passionate and having a vision are the sources for success, according to Bahmber.

"Seeing the commitments my teammates have made and the vision that our coach has for us is what keeps me going," Bahmber said.

In order to connect as a team, the mens' field hockey team discusses their individual goals and motivations to inspire each other to work harder and accomplish similar objectives.

"Despite the team's different cultures and backgrounds, we are working to all have one vision and goal in mind that will keep us working together at the same level and ultimately, unite our team."

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