Rajgir, Bihar: The crowd erupted in cheers at Rajgir as Sushila Chanu’s deceptive midfield pass found Sangita Kumari, whose deft touch sent the ball into the goal against China in the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy.
At just 22, Sangita has carved a niche for herself as a striker who thrives on instinct, always appearing in the right place at the right time. All four of her goals in the tournament have been field goals.
“It is all the result of the intense training we do before matches. The pass from Sushila Di is something we have practiced so many times on the field,” Sangita shared with Read during the tournament.
In addition to scoring in three matches, Sangita was named “Player of the Match” in India’s opening game against Malaysia, cementing her reputation as a dependable striker.
Sangita’s rise as a striker and Women’s HIL
Since her debut in 2022, where she scored against Spain, Sangita has been on a steady rise in Indian hockey.
Recently, she made headlines when Delhi SG Pipers secured her for ₹22 lakh during the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) player auctions, making her the fifth most expensive player in the league.
The young striker is thrilled about the upcoming Women’s HIL, a tournament debuting this year.
“It feels very nice as we have a women’s tournament for the very first time and I can’t wait to play,” said Sangita about women’s HIL.
What excites her the most?
“I look forward to playing with the foreigners. They will give us the required experience at the highest level,” she quipped.
The Women’s HIL represents a golden opportunity for Indian players like Sangita to rub shoulders with international stars and elevate their game.
The fairytale journey of Sangita Kumari
Hailing from the small village of Karangaguri Nawatoli in Simdega district, Sangita is the first-ever player from her family and village to represent India on the international stage.
Her journey from playing hockey with bamboo sticks to becoming a professional athlete is nothing short of extraordinary.
In 2012, she was selected by the State Hockey Academy of Jharkhand, which has produced renowned players like Salima Tete, Nikki Pradhan, and Asunta Lakra.
This marked the beginning of her incredible journey.
When asked what she wants to do with the sum of money she is getting, Sangita said, “The first thing I would do is make a small home for my family. My family members were very excited when Delhi SG Pipers picked me.”
The small home will be a gift for her father who has been a constant support for Sangita since her early days.
“It was not easy for us but my father always did his best to provide me whatever I needed. He used to make hockey sticks for me. So, I think this is the best way for me to express my gratitude,” said Sangita.
However, this is not the first time Sangita will be going back to her home with some gifts for her family and friends.
After becoming the first-ever member of her village to get a government job, Sangita returned to her village with dhotis for the elders of the village and sweets and sports equipment for the younger ones.
“I think it is important for us to give back to our society where a lot of people are in need,” said Sangita.
As she continues to rise in the hockey world, the thought process of Sangita proves that she is not only to excel in the sport but also on a personal level.
Sangita isn’t just scoring goals on the field—she’s paving a path for others to follow, proving that no dream is too distant when pursued with passion.
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