You probably think cricket’s the national sport of India, right? We hate to burst your bubble, but the truth is, hockey holds that title. Now, take a moment to digest that. But sadly, it doesn’t get the attention it truly deserves, especially when up against the likes of cricket and football, which are often the go-to for that adrenaline rush. And women’s hockey? Well, let’s just say it’s been pushed even further into the shadows.
But still, there are thousands of girls and women who feel inspired to play hockey in the country, all thanks to some popular female hockey players’ names. And guess what? Today’s post is all about that. Here we will be going over the list of the top 10 best female hockey players in India of all time. So stay tuned for that. Here we go.
List of Top Female Hockey Players in India Ever
1. Rani Rampal
Born and raised in Haryana, India, this girl has the kind of story that movie scripts are made of. Born on December 4, 1994, Rani’s love for the game was obvious, even though she was living in a world of hardship. With a dad who pulled carts for a living, she turned her humble beginnings into a shining beacon for all. Under the watchful eye of hockey whiz, Baldev Singh, she honed her skills at Shahabad Hockey Academy, becoming a force to reckon with. Imagine being 15 and making it to the Indian national team in the 2010 World Cup. Yup, that’s Rani! With 212 international games and a stunning 134 goals, she’s the pride of the nation. Currently the Captain of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team, she’s also the woman who led us back to the Olympics in Rio after a 36-year pause.
2. Vandana Katariya
Next up is Vandana Katariya, a woman who knows how to leave her mark on the hockey field. Born on April 15, 1992, Vandana’s love for the game knows no bounds. This girl has got a game, with over 200 international matches to her name. With a bronze medal from the 2014 Asian Games and an Olympic hat trick, Vandana is truly an icon of Indian hockey. She comes from Roshnabad, Haridwar, Uttar Pradesh (now in Uttarakhand) and, despite all her fame and success, her humble roots are never far from her thoughts. From being a technician’s daughter to captaining the Indian women’s hockey team in a Test Series against Australia in 2016, Vandana has had quite the journey.
3. Deep Grace Ekka
Born on June 3, 1994, in a humble village in Odisha, Deep Grace is a shining example of the phrase ‘Where there’s a will, there’s always a way.’ Starting out as a wannabe goalkeeper, she switched lanes and found her true calling as a stellar defender. With a whopping 150 international matches and three crucial goals under her belt, she’s truly the pride of Indian women’s hockey. Not one to rest on her laurels, Deep Grace represented India in the 2016 Rio Olympics, showing the world what she’s made of. Deep Grace Ekka has not just left her mark on the game, she’s changed it forever!
4. Gurjit Kaur
Gurjit Kaur is for sure a woman who’s proven herself to be a true game-changer in field hockey. Born on October 25, 1995, Gurjit got skills that would make any opponent quake in their boots. Particularly, her drag flicking is the stuff of legends. From Punjab, she’s turned her passion for hockey into a glittering career. With the mentorship of Dutch coach, Sjoerd Marijne, Gurjit has been a whirlwind of success, from her unforgettable goal in the 2020 Summer Olympics to being named the women’s “Player of the Year” for the 2020-21 season.
5. Sushila Chanu
Next is Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, a hockey player who has left her mark on the hockey scene in the country! Hailing from Imphal, Manipur, Chanu’s love for the sport ignited when she was just eleven. From leading her junior team to a bronze medal at the Women’s Hockey Junior World Cup to being a key player in the senior national team, Chanu’s talent shines through. Apart from her athletic achievements, she’s also made notable contributions to society, working as a senior ticket collector for the Central Mumbai Railway, proving that hard work and determination can take you places. Sushila Chanu is not just a hockey player; she’s a symbol of determination and passion!
6. Savita Punia
Affectionately known as the “Great Wall of India,” Savita earned this tag during the 2020 Summer Olympics with her show-stopping performances. Although the Indian gals didn’t snag the bronze medal in Tokyo, Savita’s grit and goalkeeping magic were the talk of the town. Hailing from Haryana, Savita was just a curious kid dabbling in hockey when her dad decided to get her some gear, and boom! The hockey bug bit her. Grandpa nudged her into the Sports Authority of India, and it was here that Savita started to really shine. Since her 2008 debut, she’s clocked in over 100 international matches, making waves in the world of Indian hockey.
7. Lalremsiami
Born and bred in the beautiful state of Mizoram, Lalremsiami is a star forward for the Indian national team and the esteemed Sports Authority of India. Not only did she make history as the first Mizo to score a silver medal in field hockey at the Asian Games, but she also started her hockey journey in the scenic town of Kolasib before leveling up at the famous National Hockey Academy in New Delhi. From playing on the under-18 team, she swiftly moved up to the senior Indian squad, showing the world what she’s made of. She scored her first goal in a thrilling match against Italy at the 2018 World Cup, and it’s been a roller-coaster ride ever since.
8. Navneet Kaur
Navneet’s career has been dotted with milestones like her memorable silver medal win at the 2018 Asian Games. But the cherry on top has to be her 100th international appearance in April 2022, where she clinched the Player of the Match award in an electrifying game against the Netherlands. Aside from her on-field heroics, Navneet also serves the Indian Railways, specifically the Western Railway, proving that she’s just as impressive off the field.
9. Ritu Rani
Born on December 29, 1991, Ritu was just a youngster when she developed a love for the game, honing her skills at the Shahabad Hockey Academy. She quickly caught the eye of national selectors, making her debut at the 2006 Asian Games. Rani’s never-say-die attitude quickly set her apart. As the youngest member of the 2006 World Cup squad, her composure and skill were hard to miss. By 2009, she was the top scorer in the Champions Challenge II, notching an impressive eight goals. Recognizing her leadership potential, Ritu was named captain of the Indian women’s hockey team in 2011, a role she relished.
10. Surinder Kaur
Last, but certainly not least, let’s talk about Surinder Kaur, the queen of field hockey who has made India proud time and again. Born on July 12, 1982, in the land of athletes, Haryana, Surinder carries a spirit that’s as fierce as her game. She waved her magic stick during the 2004 Hockey Asia Cup and helped India clinch a gold medal. Her robust game and years of field experience have earned her the title of one of the best hockey players India has ever seen. And guess what? Her incredible talent and dedication didn’t go unnoticed! She was awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award. Clocking in a jaw-dropping 229 appearances for the national team, she sits comfortably in the sixth position as the most-capped player. And without a doubt, her legacy is for sure as enduring as her game.
Conclusion
Wow, what a ride it was! Don’t you think? These top ten rockstars of women’s hockey in India have not just played the game, they’ve owned it. Each of their stories is a symphony of strength, resilience, and absolute faith in their potential. All in all, Indian women’s hockey is ready to set the turf on fire, and we’re all here with popcorn in hand, eagerly waiting to see what the next act brings!
Passionate sports content writer, Rocky delves into the world of athletics with a keen eye for detail. With a background in journalism, he transforms moments on the field into compelling narratives that resonate with readers.
