Shrachi Bengal Tigers Gear Up for Women's Hockey India League Season 2
Shrachi Bengal Tigers Set for HIL Challenge
New Delhi [India], December 25: Following a commendable third-place finish in the inaugural Women's Hockey India League (HIL), the Shrachi Bengal Tigers are eager to leave their mark in the upcoming season, which kicks off on December 28, according to a recent announcement.
The team has successfully retained key players such as Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Mahima Choudhary, and Jennifer Rizzo, establishing a solid foundation before making strategic investments during the mini-auctions. Notably, Shrachi Bengal Tigers secured Agustina Gorzelany for a record Rs 42 lakhs, making her the highest-paid player at the auction, while Monika was signed for Rs 15 lakh, earning her the title of the most expensive Indian player. With these tactical acquisitions, the team aims to clinch the championship in the second season of the Women's Hero HIL.
Jennifer Rizzo is anticipated to lead the goalkeeping unit, bringing her experience from the previous season. Alongside her, young Indian goalkeeper Aditi Maheshwari, who was part of the victorious Indian Women's team at the Junior Asia Cup 2024, is set to gain invaluable experience.
On the defensive front, the Argentine duo Agustina Gorzelany and Valentina Raposo will be pivotal. Both players contributed to Argentina's silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2022 and the bronze at the Paris Olympics in 2024, and they will be tasked with fortifying the Shrachi Bengal Tigers' defense.
Adding to the defense, Gurjit Kaur brings extensive experience with 137 senior caps for India and a notable goal-scoring record of 146 goals. Young talents Mahima Choudhary and Puja Sahoo will also contribute to the backline, infusing youthful energy into the team.
In midfield, Monika is set to make her league debut after being unsold last season, potentially providing a significant boost. With 229 senior caps for India, her experience will be complemented by Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, who boasts 252 senior caps and a Commonwealth Games bronze medal.
Noor de Baat from the Netherlands, recognized for her exceptional skills across various formats, is expected to be a dynamic addition. New Zealand's Emma Findlay and Manisha Chauhan will round out the midfield, bringing their respective experiences of 26 and 22 senior appearances.
The forward line is led by the seasoned Padma Shri awardee Vandana Katariya, who holds the record for the most caps in Indian women's hockey with 320 appearances. Lalremsiami, with 177 caps, adds her expertise, having won a silver medal at the Youth Olympic Games in 2018 and a bronze at the Commonwealth Games in 2022.
The squad also features promising young forwards like Sukhveer Kaur and Purnima Yadav, who are fresh off their experiences at the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup, along with Lalrinpuii, who participated in the Junior Asia Cup in 2024.
Other notable additions include Argentina's Victoria Manuele and Netherlands' Sosha Benninga, as well as Madhya Pradesh forward Anjali Gautam, who is seen as a rising star in Indian women's hockey.
Deepak Thakur, a former Indian hockey legend and Arjuna Award recipient, will serve as the Head Coach for the Shrachi Bengal Tigers this season. The team is set to face JSW Soorma Hockey Club in their opening match on December 29 in Ranchi.
Shrachi Bengal Tigers Squad: Jennifer Rizzo (USA), Aditi Maheshwari, Agustina Gorzelany (Argentina), Valentina Raposo (Argentina), Gurjit Kaur, Puja Sahoo, Mahima Choudhary, Monika, Manisha Chauhan, Noor de Baat (Netherlands), Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Emma Findlay (New Zealand), Purnima Yadav, Sukhveer Kaur, Anjali Gautam, Victoria Manuele (Argentina), Sosha Benninga (Netherlands), Lalrinpuii, Lalremsiami, Vandana Katariya.