Rajgir — Sandeepa Kumari played a pivotal role as Hockey Jharkhand clinched their third consecutive title at the Sub-Junior Women’s National Championship, defeating Hockey Madhya Pradesh 2-1 in the final.
Emerging as the team’s top scorer with five goals in the tournament, Sandeepa credited the squad’s intense preparation for their success. “We trained continuously for 15 days leading up to the tournament. Our mindset was clear—we wanted to become champions again, and we gave it everything,” she said.
Sandeepa’s journey into hockey began in 2021, inspired by her sister Sangita Kumari. Recalling her sister’s guidance before matches, she shared, “She told me to play with my heart, stay focused, and trust my abilities. She always encourages me to stay confident under pressure and make an impact.”
She also highlighted the importance of the championship as a platform for young athletes. Supported by Anandana Foundation, the tournament offers emerging players an opportunity to showcase their talent and grow in the sport. Sandeepa expressed gratitude for the continued support toward women’s hockey, calling it a major source of motivation.
On her individual performance, Sandeepa noted that she has been working extensively on her finishing. “I’ve focused a lot on converting chances with my coach, and during the matches, I was able to execute what I’ve been practicing,” she said.
Reflecting on the final, she emphasized the team’s resilience. Despite conceding a goal, Jharkhand maintained composure and intensity. “We didn’t lose belief. We kept pushing till the end, and that made the difference,” she added.
With inputs from IANS