Soorma Hockey Club is set to kick off their campaign in the eagerly anticipated Women’s Hero Hockey India League tomorrow at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium in Ranchi. Their opening match will be against the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, a team boasting an impressive lineup on paper.
Soorma enters the tournament with a strong squad, led by Indian veteran Savita as the goalkeeper and co-captain alongside dynamic midfielder Salima Tete. Their roster also features international stars like Maria Verschoor, Charlotte Stapenhorst, Charlotte Englebert, and Penny Squibb.
“We began our training camp in Chandigarh on December 27 with the Indian players, and the overseas players joined us on January 2. The camp has been crucial in preparing the team and helping players build connections over the last two weeks. Sharing the dressing room with some of the world’s best players is a fantastic opportunity for our young Indian talents to learn and grow,” said Head Coach Jude Menezes.
“We arrived in Ranchi a couple of days ago and had a training session ahead of our first game. Our focus against the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers will be on executing our strengths, and as we gather more insights into the other teams, we will refine our approach,” he added.
Savita, the former captain of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team, expressed her excitement about the Women’s Hero Hockey India League finally becoming a reality. “We are thrilled. As a senior player, I’ve waited a long time for this. The Men’s League brought a positive shift in their mindset and development, and we always felt that training with top international players could do the same for us. Observing their game preparation, training intensity, and off-field behavior will be invaluable,” she said.
“India has immense talent, and this league is a great platform to nurture it. It also helps players financially and shows parents that hockey has a bright future. We have a lot to look forward to with this league,” she added.
The Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers also field a formidable team, led by Udita, the league’s costliest player, as captain. Forward Vandana Katariya brings her vast experience to lead their attacking line. Their international contingent includes Grace O’Hanlon, Jennifer Rizzo, Grace Stewart, Roisin Upton, and Kathryn Mullan, supported by promising talents like Hannah Cotter, Fiona Crackles, Beauty Dung Dung, and Jyothi Edula.
“We are confident in our preparation and aim to deliver a strong performance while enjoying our time on the field. The Tigers have several young and international players we aren’t familiar with, which adds a layer of unpredictability. However, we trust our training and skills to give us a solid start to the league,” Savita concluded.
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