Striving hard to regain top form, the Indian women's hockey team features approximately 45 percent players from Haryana, who have been instrumental in the team's impressive performance at the ongoing Nations Cup in Auckland, New Zealand. The tournament began on June 15 and will conclude on June 21.
Haryana Players Shine in Nations Cup
The women players from Haryana, led by goalkeeper Savita Punia—known as the 'Wall of India'—have secured a semifinal spot with an undefeated record in their pool. The team's performance in this event is seen as a crucial test ahead of the FIH Women's World Cup in August and the Asian Games later this year, subject to qualification.
Key Haryana Players in the Squad
- Savita Punia (goalkeeper) – India's undisputed number one goalkeeper, recently awarded the Padma Shri.
- Neha Goyal (midfielder) – from Shahabad Markanda, Kurukshetra.
- Jyoti (defender) – from Shahabad Markanda.
- Sakshi Rana (midfielder) – from Shahabad Markanda.
- Shilpi Dabas (defender) – from Shahabad Markanda.
- Navneet Kaur (forward) – from Haryana.
- Sonam (forward) – from Haryana.
- Deepika – a dangerous attacking player and penalty-corner specialist.
- Annu – an emerging forward.
Coach's Perspective
Azad Singh Malik, a hockey coach in Hisar, noted that players from Haryana—especially the Hisar, Sirsa, and Sonepat regions—have long dominated the Indian team. "The present Indian team is a balanced and strong side. I hope the Indian team will be in its best form after the ongoing Nations Cup, which serves as a preparatory event ahead of the World Cup and Asian Games," he said. He added that Savita Punia, a resident of Jodhkan village in Sirsa district who trained mostly in Haryana, remains irreplaceable for the Indian team.
Team's Undefeated Run
The Indian team is undefeated in Pool A of the Nations Cup, having already defeated Japan and the USA. Victory in this event is crucial, as the winner earns promotion to the Hockey Pro League. The Indian women's hockey team previously won the Asian Champions Trophy titles in 2023 and 2024, and their best performance came in the 2018 Asian Games, where they won the silver medal.
