Kanika Siwach: 'Jr Asia Cup significantly boosted my confidence' as she joins HIL

New Delhi, Dec 19 (NationPress) The emerging talent in Indian hockey, Kanika Siwach, is thrilled to begin her journey in the inaugural Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) with the Odisha Warriors. Following a remarkable showing in the recently held Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2024, where she scored eight goals in as many matches, ranking as the second-highest scorer for the champions, India, and fourth overall, Kanika is keen to move from junior competitions to the senior arena in this esteemed league.

Reflecting on her experience from the Junior Asia Cup to the HIL, Kanika shared her enthusiasm, saying, "I’m excited about this transition. Competing alongside such gifted players and learning from seasoned seniors and coaches is an opportunity I eagerly anticipate. This marks a new chapter for me, and I’m determined to grow through it."

With her impressive tally of eight goals in the Junior Asia Cup, the 19-year-old forward feels her recent achievements have significantly enhanced her confidence for the HIL. "The Junior Asia Cup acted as a tremendous confidence booster. The insights I gained there will be crucial as I gear up for this new challenge in the Hockey India League," she commented.

As she joins the Odisha Warriors, Kanika is keen to play a vital role in the team’s achievements. "I feel privileged to be part of a team like the Odisha Warriors, which boasts exceptional players and coaches. I’m ready to give my utmost and leverage this chance to demonstrate what we, as women athletes, are capable of," she expressed.

Renowned for her goal-scoring ability, Kanika emphasized the significance of teamwork in sustaining her form. "Scoring in hockey is fundamentally a collaborative effort. Trusting my teammates and collaborating effectively will be essential to maintaining my scoring streak in the HIL," she noted.

Embracing the fast-paced and dynamic nature of the HIL is a challenge Kanika is eager to tackle. She credits the mentorship from senior players and coaches for her preparation. "I plan to rely on the guidance of experienced teammates and our coaches, who are assisting us in adapting to the league’s dynamic environment. Their support will be pivotal in my function as a striker," she mentioned.

Kanika is particularly enthusiastic about the groundbreaking nature of the inaugural Women’s HIL for the sport in India. "This league is transformative for Indian women’s hockey. It presents a fantastic platform for junior players like me to learn and advance. I’m genuinely excited to be part of such a historic moment," she stated.

With her focus firmly set on carrying forward the momentum from the Junior Asia Cup, Kanika shared her intention to integrate that experience into the HIL. "Our triumph in the Junior Asia Cup infused us with confidence and taught us vital lessons about mental resilience. I'm prepared to channel that energy into the HIL and maximize this opportunity," she remarked.

As she prepares for the league, Kanika is committed to evolving into the best version of herself. "Every single day is a learning opportunity. My objective is to consistently improve and apply everything I’ve learned on the field while gaining further knowledge throughout this experience," she clarified.

When discussing her personal aspirations for the HIL, Kanika expressed her eagerness to absorb as much experience as possible. "Competing alongside elite international players presents a remarkable opportunity for growth. My personal aim is to learn from every experience and emerge as a stronger player," she declared.

Lastly, Kanika underscored the importance of the women’s HIL for young athletes like herself. "This league serves as an outstanding platform for us juniors to highlight our talent. The exposure to international players and the chance to compete on such a significant stage will be transformative for our development," she concluded.