Words like seniors helped keep me calm’: Sunelita Toppo

New Delhi : Sundargarh in Odisha, the hub of hockey, has given birth to another brilliant player named Sunelita Toppo. The 16-year-old made her debut for the Indian women’s team against China in the Hockey Pro League 2023/24 on February 3.

Sunelita got attracted to the game after seeing the women of her village playing hockey at a festival. He first started playing with bamboo sticks, but it didn’t take long for him to make his mark at the 2022 National Games in Gujarat.

After this he was selected for the junior team. As the team won its first title in the Junior Asia Cup in 2023, Sunelita was called to train with the senior team.

Recalling her feelings before playing her first match for the national team, Sunelita said, “Initially, I could not believe that I had played for the team participating in the Hockey Pro League 2023/24 in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela. Have secured a place. When I came to know that I will play my first match against China, I was nervous.

“Till the first whistle, I kept wondering whether I would perform well in my first match for the national team. However, once the game started, I focused on the advice given by my seniors before the match and that All my doubts were dispelled.”

“I spoke to Lalremsiami, Navneet Kaur and Nikki Pradhan before the match to calm myself. Vandana Kataria also assured me that she would be there to help if things go wrong. On the way to the stadium, Savita Advised me not to do that. “To think hard, play loose and enjoy this special opportunity,” he said, “these words really helped me calm my nerves and give my best on the pitch.”

After making her debut in a 1–2 defeat to China, Sunelita featured in the matches against the Netherlands on 4 February and Australia on 7 February, then faced China again on 12 February and the Netherlands in Rourkela on 14 February.

Speaking on his Pro League experience, the explosive midfielder said, “Everyone appreciated my performance in the first match against China, and after the game against the Netherlands, the team encouraged me more, saying it’s great. That I’m playing so well. Despite my young age, I have a full understanding of the game, and I need to continue to enjoy myself on the pitch.”

Sunelita concluded, “I want to continue playing like this. Everyone has been very supportive and I will work hard to take advantage of this moment and make a place for myself in the team. The Pro League matches have given me the realization that That’s what I need to focus on my game. Making decisions around the shooting circle, making the right choice between passing, shooting or taking penalty corners depending on the situation will help my team and improve as a player “