A fortnight after the resumption of the Hockey India League following a seven-year hiatus, the inaugural edition of the Women’s HIL is all set to commence on January 12.
Unlike the men’s event with eight teams, the women’s league will be a four-team competition.
Three franchises from the men’s league – Soorma Hockey Club, Delhi SG Pipers, and Rarh Bengal Tigers – will also feature in the women’s league.
The other team in contention will be Odisha Warriors backed by Navoyam Sports Ventures.
With the opening day of the Women’s Hockey League just days away, Wwe take a look at how the Odisha Warriors stack up before the season:
Odisha Warriors Squad
Experienced Indian midfield Neha Goyal will wear the captain’s armband for Odisha Warriors in the first-ever Women’s Hockey India League as former Indian coach Janneke Schopman returns to the country as the coach.
Australian goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram is expected to start in the goal for Odisha with the Indian youngsters Madhuri Kindo and Harsha Minz being the understudies.
Odisha splurged 29 lakhs on Yibbi Jansen to make her the most expensive foreign pick of the tournament and she will form the defensive lineup with Lilly Paulin, Clarie Colwil, and experienced Indian defender Deep Grace Ekka.
Jyoti Chhatri and Ishika Chaudhary are the other two defenders and have played at the international level.
Odisha has assembled a good midfield with experienced Indian players Neha Goyal and Nisha leading the charge. They will be supported by Victoria Sauze and Kaitlin Nobbs making it a formidable lineup.
In the forward line, Schopman has trusted Indian youngsters Annu, Sakshi Rana, and Kanika Siwach who will be playing alongside Frekke Moes and Michelle Fillet.
Goalkeepers: Madhuri Kindo, Jocelyn Bartram, Harsha Rani Minz
Defenders: Clarie Colwil, Yibbi Jansen, Lilly Paulin, Deep Grace Ekka, Anjali Barwa, Jyoti Chhatri, Ishika Chaudhary
Midfielders: Nisha, Neha Goyal, Baljeet Kaur, Kaitlin Nobbs, Sonika, Nandini, Victoria Sauze
Forwards: Annu, Sakshi Rana, Kanika Siwach, Sadhna Sengar, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Frekke Moes, Michelle Fillet
Strength and Weakness
Janneke Schopman played very smartly in the auctions and waited for Yibbi Jansen to come and spend hugely on her. The move to get the best drag-flicker in the world means that Odisha has their penalty corner department sorted with Deep and Kaitilin being other options.
All three departments have a decent mix of foreigners and Indians.
The midfield in particular is stacked with experienced internationals such as Nisha, Sonika, Neha Goyal, Kaitlin Nobbs, and Victoria.
Kanika’s strong performance in the recently concluded Junior Asia Cup is a positive sign for Odisha and their advantage will be Janneke’s previous experience of working with the Indian youngsters.
Odisha Warriors Fixtures
12 January: Odisha Warriors v Delhi SG Pipers
15 January: Odisha Warriors v Soorma Hockey Club
16 January: Odisha Warriors v Rarh Bengal Tigers
19 January: Odisha Warriors v Rarh Bengal Tigers
21 January: Odisha Warriors v Soorma Hockey Club
23 January: Odisha Warriors v Delhi SG Pipers
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