Sunelita Toppo Excited to Represent India at FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2023
New Delhi [India], November 27 – Sunelita Toppo, the rising star of Indian hockey, is set to make her mark on the international stage as she gears up to represent India at the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2023 in Santiago, Chile. The 16-year-old forward is thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase her skills and passion for the sport on a global platform.
Sunelita discovered her love for hockey when she witnessed a few women playing the game at a festival in her village. Enamored by their skills, she expressed her desire to play to her father, who then introduced her to the coach from the nearby area. From there, Sunelita honed her talent at the SAI Training Centre (STC) in Sundargarh, where she received top-notch training and coaching.
However, her journey was not without hurdles. In the beginning, Sunelita had to make do with playing with bamboo sticks as she did not have proper equipment. But her dedication and passion caught the attention of her relative, who came to her rescue by providing her with the necessary gear. Despite facing adversity, Sunelita’s determination remained unshaken.
In 2018, Sunelita encountered a setback when she suffered a shoulder injury. However, with the support of her coaching staff, she learned to adapt her game and prevent further injuries. Her perseverance paid off, and she represented Odisha in the National Games held in Gujarat in 2022. Impressed by her outstanding performance, Sunelita earned a spot in the National Camp.
Having made her debut for the Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team at the Junior Women’s Asia Cup in 2023, Sunelita caught the attention of selectors, earning her a call-up for the Senior Women’s National Coaching Camp due to her exceptional performance. Despite her young age, she has already achieved remarkable milestones in her budding career.
As she prepares for the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2023, Sunelita is determined to help India clinch the gold medal. With the tournament commencing on November 29 and concluding on December 10, India’s campaign will kick off against Canada. Sunelita is honored to be part of the national squad, expressing her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to represent her country on the global stage.
The tournament will feature top teams from around the world, and we are eager to showcase our prowess against them. The dressing room is buzzing with excitement, and we are all looking forward to the start of the tournament. Our aim is to achieve positive results and earn a podium finish, Sunelita said confidently.
The FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2023 will be broadcast on Viacom Sport 18 & Jio, providing fans worldwide with the opportunity to witness the young talents in action.
Sunelita Toppo’s inspiring journey from discovering hockey in her village to representing India at an international tournament serves as a testament to her resilience and determination. As the hockey world awaits the beginning of the Junior World Cup, all eyes will be on Sunelita and her teammates as they strive to make their mark and bring glory to the nation.
