Imphal: After a three-year hiatus, Suman Devi Thoudam, the robust defender from Manipur, has secured her place back in the Indian women’s hockey team. The 25-year-old’s inclusion in the squad for the European leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25 marks a significant comeback, her last outing for the national side dating back to 2022.
Hailing from Imphal, Suman’s previous national appearance was during a Pro League encounter against the Netherlands in Bhubaneswar. Post that, she found herself outside the national core group. However, her dedication never wavered as she consistently honed her skills at the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) in Delhi. For three years, she meticulously worked on refining her defensive prowess, focusing on crucial aspects like tackling and man-to-man marking, all with the singular aim of reclaiming her rightful spot.
Suman’s journey with the national camp began in 2016, where she represented both junior and senior teams with distinction. Despite being dropped from the senior setup after 2022, her resolve remained unbroken, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to improvement and a stronger return.
Having previously played under the astute leadership of former captain Rani, Suman now rejoins a team spearheaded by Salima Tete. She acknowledged the distinct leadership styles offered by both captains, underscoring the evolving dynamics within the squad.
Her much-anticipated return comes at a pivotal time, ahead of a demanding international schedule. India is slated to compete in London, Antwerp, and Berlin from June 14 to June 29, facing off against formidable opponents such as Australia, Argentina, Belgium, and China – each team twice. The high-stakes opening match is scheduled against Australia in London.
With her remarkable comeback, Suman is determined to seize this opportunity and firmly establish her position within the team. Her return undeniably adds significant depth to India’s defensive lineup as the team braces itself for a crucial phase of the international season.
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