New Delhi, 24 December (H.S.): JSW Surma Hockey Club enters the second season of the Women's Hero Hockey India League (HIL) as a formidable title contender on Wednesday, determined to surpass last season's heartbreak where they topped the points table yet fell short in the final.
The club's strongest asset remains its elite goalkeeping unit, anchored by co-captain and veteran Savita, who recently achieved the historic milestone of 300 international caps for India. Awarded Goalkeeper of the Tournament last season, Savita pairs with Niti, the first-choice keeper for India's junior women's team and a standout performer at the recent FIH Women's Junior World Cup in Chile. This blend of senior and junior prowess gives Surma a decisive edge between the posts.
Australia's seasoned Penny Squibb and India's rising star Jyoti form the defensive backbone once again, with Jyoti—last season's Player of the Tournament—expected to deliver another stellar showing. New addition Shihori Oikawa from Japan, boasting 193 international matches and 56 goals, bolsters the line alongside Jyoti Chhatri, enhancing depth and tactical versatility.
Indian national captain Salima Tete assumes midfield command as co-captain, her energy, leadership, and game tempo control proving invaluable. She links with Vaishnavi Vitthal Falke, Baljeet Kaur, Ajmina Kujur, Binima Dhan, Hina Bano, and junior talent Nisha.
International flavor comes from Sarah Robertson (over 200 caps for Scotland and Great Britain), Uruguay's Villar Del Vaye Dupuy, and Argentina's Jimena Maria Cedres, infusing global experience.
All eyes rest on Argentina's star forward Maria Jose Granato, author of 145 senior career goals, supported by New Zealand's 24-year-old Olivia Shannon and India's young duo Sonam and Mumtaz Khan. Sonam shone last season as the top-scoring Indian while clinching the Upcoming Player of the Tournament award.
Head coach Jude Menezes steers the ship again, his strategic acumen and composed leadership fueling consistent performances last time. This season targets final redemption and championship triumph.
Surma's blend of experience and balance shines through Savita in goal, Squibb and Oikawa in defense, Tete in midfield, and Granato upfront, fortifying every department. However, the absence of key foreigners from last season—Charlotte Engelbert (joint top scorer), Sophie Louise Hamilton, and Maria Verschoor—shifts scoring burdens elsewhere.
Surma opens its Hero HIL 2025-26 campaign on December 29 in Ranchi against Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers. Squad: Savita, Niti, Jyoti, Jyoti Chhatri, Penny Squibb (Australia), Shihori Oikawa (Japan), Salima Tete, Ajmina Kujur, Hina Bano, Nisha, Vaishnavi Vitthal Falke, Baljeet Kaur, Binima Dhan, Sarah Robertson (Great Britain), Jimena Maria Cedres (Argentina), Villar Del Vaye Dupuy (Uruguay), Sonam, Mumtaz Khan, Olivia Shannon (New Zealand), Maria Jose Granato (Argentina).
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
