Lalthantluangi and Shilpi Dabas
For 21-year-old Ishika, playing in the World Cup is a dream that has finally come true. Injury and tough times have made me believe in myself a little more and taught me to be resilient and optimistic,” said the 21-year old. For 21-year-old defender Lalthantluangi, receiving her India cap was a special moment.
Because it is my first World Cup, “There is definitely some excitement and a little nervousness.
It really feels like a dream come true,” Ishika told PTI. I just want to enjoy the moment, stay focused and give my best on the field,” she said. I am both happy and nervous,” she said. Dabas said she did not get a call-up to the national camp until after the second season of the Hockey India League. “The biggest challenge was that I hadn’t been called up to the camp until now; I was selected only after the second season of the Hockey India League,” Dabas said. “Don’t give up, keep working hard, and you will definitely get an opportunity eventually,” she said. “Every player dreams of playing for the country, and I am fortunate to have received this opportunity,” said the 19-year old. Since I play on the wing, I aim to pass the ball to the striker as quickly as possible so they can score,” Toppo said. But if you believe in yourself and keep working hard, that effort will surely pay off,” she said.
NEW DELHI: For some of India’s young women’s hockey players, the journey to the World Cup has been filled with challenges, setbacks and long waits. Now, Ishika, Lalthantluangi, Sakshi Rana, Shilpi Dabas and Sunelita Toppo are ready to make the most of their opportunity on hockey’s biggest stage. For the five debutants, making the World Cup squad is the result of years of hard work, sacrifice and patience. They will now look to turn that journey into strong performances for India. “Representing India at the biggest stage is every player’s dream. Her father has been her coach from the start and her family has always supported her hockey journey. But injuries and difficult periods tested her mentally. “My father has been my coach since the beginning. So I have always had great support from my family but I would say the challenge was to become mentally stronger. Ishika now wants to repay that support by using her pressing skills and ability to create scoring chances. But I think that nervous energy is good. Sakshi sees herself as a link between India’s defence and attack. She will look to contribute at both ends of the field. Shilpi Dabas has taken a different route to the World Cup. Her chance to join the national setup came after a long wait. “I have received a massive platform. That eventually gave her a chance to enter the senior setup. Dabas started playing hockey in Class VI. Hockey runs in her family, with her mother, father and brother all having played the sport. She believes tackling and long-ball skills are her biggest strengths and wants to use them whenever she gets her chance. The youngster also has a message for players waiting for their own breakthrough. Sunelita Toppo will bring pace to India’s attack from the wing. Speed is her biggest strength, and she wants to use it to get the ball into the striking circle quickly. “Speed is my strength, and I intend to use it for the team’s benefit. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines Her focus is clear: make the most of her training and perform her role for the team. Toppo also believes players must stay strong during difficult periods. “You will face many challenges in life… there may even be times when you feel like quitting hockey. The five debutants have taken different paths to reach the World Cup, but their goal is the same. They now have the chance to play on the biggest stage, learn from India’s experienced players and turn years of hard work into performances for the country. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
The real work starts now, and I want to give my hundred percent for the country,” she said. They have taken me under their wing, taught me how to handle the pressure and they just lead by example every single day,” she said. “Words cannot express how I feel right now. This cap is not just mine, it belongs to my family as well. Growing up, she had to manage school along with hockey training. That experience helped her learn how to balance different responsibilities. “Our seniors are amazing. At the World Cup, Lalthantluangi will have an important role in keeping India’s defence organised and helping the team build attacks from the back. Nineteen-year-old midfielder Sakshi will enter her first World Cup with both excitement and some nerves.