Ranchi: Last year, the women’s hockey teams from Manipur and Mizoram made headlines when they reached the quarterfinals of the senior women’s national championship, surprising many in a region where football is the dominant sport. Mizoram continued to impress by making it to the semifinals and ultimately finishing fourth in the sub-junior national championship. This success highlights the potential for further achievements in hockey, fueled by local participation in the lucrative Women’s Hockey India League (WHIL).
With three players each from Mizoram and Manipur competing in WHIL, former India captain Sushila Chanu expressed optimism about the tournament’s impact on inspiring the next generation to take up hockey. Chanu, who played for the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, emphasized the importance of representation in encouraging young players. Her teammate, Lalremsiami from Mizoram, noted that their performance might lead to better hockey infrastructure in the state, which currently lacks sufficient facilities.
Highlighting the region’s emerging hockey talent, Lalrinpuii, a young player from Mizoram, performed well at WHIL and had already scored for India in the Junior Asia Cup. She transitioned to hockey from a family background in football, viewing the sport as a means to financially support her family. Moreover, Marina Lalramnghaki, another Mizoram player, was thrilled to be auctioned by Bengal Tigers for Rs.10 lakhs as her earnings could aid her mother’s health expenses. Marina, a Junior World Cup player, aims to boost her career prospects through WHIL.
Meanwhile, Indian goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam, representing Delhi SG Pipers, believes the tournament is invaluable for skill enhancement. Her fellow Manipuri player, Khaidem Shileima Chanu, despite a challenging WHIL stint, gained invaluable experience and cherished the opportunity to play alongside top talents, further motivating her shift from football to hockey.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/football-crazy-ne-slowly-picking-up-the-stick/articleshow/117650614.cms
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Publish Date: 2025-01-28 23:32:00
