Mumbai:
The second half of the 2024-25 Pro League season exposed a significant gap in the attacking line of the Indian women’s hockey team. With veteran striker Vandana Katariya’s retirement, the baton was handed to the younger players to step up in goal-scoring.
Sangita Kumari was seen as a successor to Katariya, but a knee injury kept the 24-year-old out for the entire season.
As a result, the team struggled both in defense and in converting scoring opportunities, leading to their relegation after finishing last.
Now recovered, a motivated Sangita is ready to rejoin the national team, with the upcoming Asia Cup as her first test, starting Friday in Hangzhou, China. A World Cup spot is at stake.
“There is pressure on us younger players now that we are core members of the team,” Sangita mentioned to HT. “Handling this pressure is part of our responsibility.”
The absence of guidance from Katariya will be a new challenge for Sangita. “I used to consult with (Katariya) frequently. She was my mentor on the field and beyond,” Sangita explained.
Sangita now steps up to fill the shoes of Katariya, who has 320 national appearances and 158 goals, including a memorable hat-trick against South Africa in the Tokyo Olympics 2021 quarter-finals.
Though Sangita was yet to debut during that event, she has since shown her potential, netting 28 goals in 64 appearances. Her goal-scoring prowess was evident 10 minutes into her February 2022 debut.
Reflecting on her debut, Sangita recalls, “Senior players encouraged me to enjoy the game without worrying about mistakes. With that mindset, I went in and scored.”
Her remarkable goal against Spain during the 2021-22 Pro League highlighted her potential, as she skillfully maneuvered past defenders to score. “This raised expectations among my teammates,” she added. “Their faith in me allowed me freedom to play and improve.”
Now a critical part of the team, Sangita’s growth is pivotal. Head coach Harendra Singh commented, “Sangita’s consistent performance has solidified her as a key player in our attack. With Vandana’s absence, her evolution is crucial for leadership and inspiration in our forward line.”
During her recovery, Sangita faced personal loss with the passing of her childhood coach, Pratima Barwa, due to a brain hemorrhage. This period was challenging, compounded by her absence from the Pro League.
“I was in disbelief,” Sangita said. “It was tough not being part of the Pro League and witnessing the team’s struggles.”
Looking forward to the Asia Cup, India embarks on their campaign facing Thailand, Japan, and Singapore, with only the victorious team securing a World Cup spot.
Inspired by her late coach’s mantra, “win it for the team,” Sangita is determined to lead the team to World Cup qualification. While she faces the challenge of stepping into a major role, Sangita has continually demonstrated her ability to rise to the occasion.