New Delhi, Dec 19 (NationPress) Indian women's hockey players Beauty Dung Dung and Sangita Kumari are enthusiastic about the opportunity to play alongside renowned Argentine athletes Agustina Albertario and Agostina Alonso for the Ranchi Royals in the upcoming season 2 of the Women's Hockey India League (HIL), commencing on December 28.

Argentina secured a silver medal at the 2022 Tokyo Olympics and a bronze in the 2024 Paris Olympics, and both Indian players are eager to learn from their Argentine counterparts.

Expressing her admiration for the experienced Argentine players, Sangita stated, “The Argentine players bring a wealth of experience, particularly Agustina Albertario and Agostina Alonso. They are exceptional athletes, and I’m thrilled to share the dressing room and the field with them.”

Beauty added, “They possess more experience as they have played in numerous matches. This is an incredible opportunity for us to learn from them. Engaging with them will undoubtedly enrich our skills.”

Excitement is palpable as Sangita and Beauty prepare to play on their home turf in Ranchi, focusing on the upcoming Olympic Qualifiers in Hyderabad.

As the Ranchi Royals prepare for the second season of the Women’s Hockey India League starting on December 28, the two talented athletes from Jharkhand are eagerly anticipating the chance to represent their home franchise.

Having debuted for India in 2021, Sangita has netted 30 goals while Beauty has contributed six goals in international competitions. They are both ready to begin a new chapter with the Ranchi Royals in the HIL.

“Playing at my home ground fills me with pride. It’s a special occasion to represent Ranchi Royals. The local crowd is passionate about hockey, enhancing the experience for players. For me, it will be particularly memorable as my family will be present to cheer us on,” stated Sangita.

Having been part of the Indian team that clinched bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Sangita is looking forward to the campaign ahead.

Likewise, Dung Dung expressed her enthusiasm about representing her home team, remarking, “Whenever we play in Ranchi, the crowd is vibrant due to the city's strong hockey fan base. It’s our home ground, and we will strive to secure victories.”

The midfielder emphasized the significant role that the HIL plays in providing young players the opportunity to learn from elite international athletes.

“As juniors, we often wonder when we will get the chance to play at the senior level, but this league offers us the chance to compete alongside top players globally. By elevating our standards, we can enhance our grassroots system,” Beauty stated.

“Women’s hockey is advancing, and we aim to propel it even further. The HIL serves as a valuable platform for juniors and state-level players. It’s an incredible learning opportunity, not just from women’s games but also from men’s matches,” Beauty articulated.

The duo also discussed the importance of interactions with international players in honing their skills. “There’s much to learn from foreign players, and they can also gain insights from us. We’ll engage with them to refine our techniques and pick up new skills,” shared Kumari.

“Initially, we felt intimidated, but now we approach international players with confidence. When we struggle with skills or miss opportunities, we seek their advice, and they are always willing to help. Sometimes, they ask us questions too,” her teammate added.

With talents like Sakshi Rana and Kanika Siwach joining the ranks, the Ranchi Royals boast a promising roster of young players who recently showcased their skills at the Junior Women’s World Cup in Chile. Sangita offered guidance for the new entrants, urging them to cherish their playing experience.

“For the newcomers, my advice is to continue doing what they love and enjoy the game. That’s the key. They should trust their skills and techniques and give their utmost effort,” she advised.

The Women’s Hockey India League is set to kick off on December 28, featuring the Ranchi Royals facing off against the SG Pipers.

All matches will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3, and DD Sports. Fans can also catch the live stream on Waves and the Hockey India League YouTube channel.