S2H Team
Among the many gains from a successful Junior India women’s tour of Chile has been the form and ability of Deepika Kumari. The sparkling forward scored two goals in the team’s unbeaten run during which they played the junior and senior teams of the South American nation.
The 17-year-old from Hisar, Haryana, reflected on the tour, saying:
“I think we showed great fitness and character in our matches against Chile. The results of the tour should give Indian women’s hockey a shot-in-the-arm considering that the year ahead is extremely important and Deepika’s show must augur well for the team’s attacking options”.
She feels such form and attitude of the team will help doing well at forthcoming Jr.Asia Cup. The Junior Asia Cup is also qualifier for the Junior World Cup.
Deepika is still awestruck at the Chile Series. Her effervescence did much to bring the Suman Devi Thoudam-led side some excellent results.
“It was challenging as we played six matches in the space of eight days, and fitness was one of the key factors to keep the tempo up in back-to-back matches. Personally, I am happy to have made important contributions and execute the plans made by the coaching staff. I hope to continue improving my game in the months ahead,” Deepika said.
Deepika made her most striking contribution in the fourth match of the tour. After India fell behind twice, Deepika it was who hauled her team back into the match with a splendid goal in the third quarter.
Blessed with sharp shooting skills, Deepika is taking a pandemic-induced loss of game time and match practice in her stride. “
We lost out on precious time last year with no training and competition. All of us knew the reasons thereof. Most of us were a little rusty when we played our first game in Santiago. But we managed to execute whatever we’d planned in our training sessions. The team environment also contributed. We want more of this (success) now,” she said.
“It was difficult (during lockdown months) as I was itching to be back on the field with my teammates. Hockey India and SAI were extremely helpful during this time, they ensured we were back in camp in time. And that kept me, and my teammates stay in rhythm,” she added.
The tour of Chile promises much for Indian fans in the coming year. With the Junior Women’s Asian Cup and the FIH Junior Women’s World Cup scheduled later in the year, the team will endeavour to peak at the right time.
Deepika herself is looking ahead with much enthusiasm.
“I have to sit down with my coaches,” she said. “I trust them and my teammates completely. Expectations are huge (for the big-ticket tournaments) but I’m confident that we will do well in the Junior Asia Cup, that is our immediate goal. I am proud to be wearing the India jersey and want to give my absolute best for the country.”
Before arriving for the National coaching camp at SAI, Bengaluru, Deepika was swamped with visitors at her doorstep after returning from the victorious Chile tour. “People from my neighbourhood in Hisar wished me. They have always encouraged me. My family has taken keen interest in my career and they have been a big motivating factor,” she said while signing off.