Rising Indian Hockey Star Sunelita Toppo's Journey to FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2023

At just 16 years old, Sunelita Toppo is poised to make her mark on the international stage as she prepares to play as a forward for India in the upcoming FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2023, held in Santiago, Chile. Despite her youth, Sunelita’s journey to the world stage has been marked by determination and passion for the sport.

Sunelita’s love for hockey was ignited when she witnessed women playing the game for the first time at a village festival. Inspired by their prowess, she expressed her desire to play to her father, who introduced her to a local coach. Her journey began at the SAI Training Centre (STC) in Sundargarh, where she received training and coaching in hockey, among other sports. In the early days, she played with bamboo sticks due to a lack of proper equipment, but her determination remained unwavering.

In 2018, Sunelita faced a shoulder injury, but with the support of her coaches and staff, she not only recovered but also learned how to adapt her playing style to avoid future injuries. Her impressive performance representing Odisha in the 2022 National Games earned her a spot in the National Camp.

This year, Sunelita made her debut for the Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team at the Junior Women’s Asia Cup, a remarkable feat for someone her age. Her outstanding performance led to her call-up for the Senior Women’s National Coaching Camp.

Although she has experience playing at the center-half position, Sunelita’s heart lies in playing forward. Her ultimate goal is to help India clinch the Gold medal at the Junior Women’s Hockey World Cup, which kicks off on November 29th and concludes on December 10th. India’s campaign begins against Canada on November 29th at 2330hrs IST.

Sunelita expressed her excitement about representing her country on the global stage, saying, “Our aim is to achieve positive results and earn a podium finish.” With determination, talent, and passion on her side, Sunelita Toppo is ready to shine brightly at the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2023 and beyond.