New Delhi
Indian women’s hockey drag-flicker Deepika Sehrawat believes the new year will bring renewed hope and momentum for the national team after a difficult and disappointing season. The 22-year-old forward said injuries, poor results and missed chances made the past year challenging, but she is confident that change is coming.
Deepika is set to return to competitive hockey with Delhi SG Pipers in the Women’s Hockey India League after spending five months on the sidelines due to injury. She missed the Asia Cup in August after slipping during a practice session, a setback she described as one of the toughest moments of her career. Despite the frustration, she said the break has made her mentally and physically stronger.
The Indian team endured a tough season, finishing last in the FIH Pro League and suffering relegation. They also failed to secure direct qualification for the Women’s World Cup after losing to China in the Asia Cup final. Off-field issues added to the turmoil, with head coach Harendra Singh stepping down following internal concerns.
Looking ahead, Deepika said World Cup qualification will be the team’s first major challenge, followed by the Asian Games. India will compete in the World Cup qualifiers in Hyderabad in March, where only the top three teams will earn a spot in the tournament to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Deepika stressed the need to correct repeated mistakes and improve communication within the team. She also highlighted the importance of mental fitness, crediting her league franchise for supporting her recovery. After training alone in Jaipur during rehabilitation, she has resumed drag-flicking and feels stronger than before.
Coming from a family of wrestlers, Deepika chose hockey against expectations. She now hopes the new year will allow her and the team to prove their potential and reclaim the momentum built after the Tokyo Olympics.