New Delhi, Dec 25 (NationPress) After securing a third-place finish in the inaugural Women’s Hockey India League (HIL), Shrachi Bengal Tigers are determined to make a more significant impact in the upcoming season, commencing on December 28.

The team has successfully retained key athletes including Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Mahima Choudhary, and Jennifer Rizzo, forming a solid core before further strengthening their roster during the mini-auctions. Shrachi Bengal Tigers made headlines by signing Agustina Gorzelany for INR 42 lakh, making her the highest-paid player of the auction, and also secured Monika for INR 15 lakh, the most expensive Indian player. With strategic acquisitions to complement their revamped lineup, the team is poised to chase the championship in the second season of the Women’s HIL.

In goal, Jennifer Rizzo is set to take charge, having been a crucial part of the franchise last season. She will be joined by young Indian goalkeeper Aditi Maheshwari, who contributed to the Indian Women’s team's gold medal victory at the Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024, aiming to gain invaluable experience.

On the defensive front, the spotlight will be on the Argentine duo Agustina Gorzelany and Valentina Raposo. Both are members of Argentina’s Olympic silver medal team from Tokyo 2022 and bronze medalists from Paris 2024, and are expected to fortify the Shrachi Bengal Tigers’ defense.

Gurjit Kaur, a two-time Olympic medallist, will add her vast experience, having represented India 137 times and scored 146 goals. Young talents Mahima Choudhary and Puja Sahoo will also enhance the backline with their dynamism and youthful energy.

In midfield, Monika is gearing up for her league debut after being unsold last season, which could significantly boost the team’s performance. With 229 senior caps for India, she brings a wealth of experience, alongside Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, who boasts 252 caps and a Commonwealth Games bronze medal.

Noor de Baat from the Netherlands, renowned for her versatility and experience in indoor, outdoor, and Hockey5s formats, is another exciting addition to the squad.

Completing the midfield are Emma Findlay from New Zealand, with 26 senior appearances, and Manisha Chauhan, who has 22 senior appearances.

The forward line is spearheaded by the highly experienced veteran and Padma Shri awardee Vandana Katariya, who holds the record for the most caps in Indian women’s hockey with 320 matches. Lalremsiami, with 177 caps, brings her expertise, having won a Silver medal at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games and a Bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

A promising group of young forwards, including Sukhveer Kaur and Purnima Yadav, arrive with experience from the FIH Hockey Women's Junior World Cup, alongside Lalrinpuii, who participated in the Women’s Junior Asia Cup in 2024.

Notable additions also include Victoria Manuele from Argentina and Sosha Benninga from the Netherlands, along with Madhya Pradesh forward Anjali Gautam, who is expected to rise as one of the stars of Indian women's hockey.

The team will be guided by Deepak Thakur, a former men’s Indian hockey legend and Arjuna Award winner, serving as the Head Coach for the upcoming season. Their first match is scheduled against JSW Soorma Hockey Club on December 29th in Ranchi.

Strength: A formidable defensive lineup led by Olympic medallists Gorzelany and Raposo bolsters the team’s defensive capabilities. Furthermore, seasoned Indian players like Monika and Vandana Katariya add leadership and composure, creating a strong foundation for the team.

Weakness: While their defense appears robust, the team may face challenges quickly establishing midfield synergy due to the mix of new foreign recruits and Monika. Additionally, the young forward line could heavily rely on Vandana’s finishing consistency throughout the season.

Shrachi Bengal Tigers Squad: Jennifer Rizzo (USA), Aditi Maheshwari, Agustina Gorzelany (Argentina), Valentina Raposo (Argentina), Gurjit Kaur, Puja Sahoo, Mahima Choudhary, Monika, Manisha Chauhan, Noor de Baat (Netherlands), Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Emma Findlay (New Zealand), Purnima Yadav, Sukhveer Kaur, Anjali Gautam, Victoria Manuele (Argentina), Sosha Benninga (Netherlands), Lalrinpuii, Lalremsiami, Vandana Katariya.