How is Suman making the most of her return to the Indian women's hockey team?

New Delhi, May 27 (NationPress) Suman Devi Thoudam, who last represented India in 2022, has made an impressive comeback to the Indian women's hockey team after a three-year absence, securing her place in the squad set to compete in the upcoming European leg of the FIH Pro League 2025.

Expressing her excitement about returning, Suman stated, "I am overjoyed to rejoin the Indian team. I started my journey in the national camp back in 2016 and had the opportunity to play for both the junior and senior national teams for several years. My last match with the senior team was in Bhubaneswar against the Netherlands in 2022.

Regarding her exclusion from the core team and the three-year break, the 25-year-old defender emphasized that she remained committed to hockey and was eager to enhance her skills to reclaim her position. "I worked closely with my coaches to fine-tune my defensive techniques, tackling, and man-to-man marking at the Sports Authority of India’s (SAI) NCOE Delhi. My focus in the last three years has been to refine these skills to earn back my spot on the national team."

Suman, who played under former captain Rani, commended the unique attributes of her past and current captains, saying, “Every captain has a unique style, and both Rani and Salima Tete possess distinct strengths as leaders. Salima, being one of the senior team members, has gained respect through her experience and likely shaped her leadership by learning from Rani.”

As the European leg of the FIH Pro League 2025 approaches, Suman is determined to seize this opportunity and solidify her position in the team, stating, "Having made my return to the senior squad, I am confident I can achieve more. The coaches, including Harendra (Singh) sir and Vijay sir, have invested time in my development and provided me the chance to compete in Australia and during this Pro League leg, and I will not waste this chance. My long-term goal is to elevate my game and represent India to the best of my abilities."

Hailing from Imphal, Manipur, Suman encouraged young hockey players to persevere in the face of challenges, saying, “Life is a journey filled with ups and downs. Current setbacks do not define your future. Believe in yourself, stay disciplined, and work diligently, as every genuine effort will eventually yield rewards.”

Suman is now focused on showcasing her skills during the European leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25, where the Indian team will compete in London, Antwerp, and Berlin from June 14 to 29. India will face each of their four opponents—Australia, Argentina, Belgium, and China—twice, beginning their campaign in London against the Hockeyroos.