New Delhi, 19 January (H.S.): Forward Lalremsiami of Shrachi Bengal Tigers described the Women's Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26 season—where her team finished as runners-up—as a learning-packed experience both individually and collectively. She expressed confidence that the team would advance one step further and clinch the title in the next season.

In an official statement on Monday, Lalremsiami said, “This season was quite good for us. We certainly wanted to become champions, but as a team, we delivered an excellent performance. Sometimes results are not in your control, but I really liked the Hero HIL experience this time. We enjoyed the game and learned a lot from each other.”

Shrachi Bengal Tigers contested several matches in the tournament that extended to penalty shootouts, including the final against SG Pipers. Reflecting on these high-pressure encounters, Lalremsiami noted that the team focused more on their gameplay than on outcomes.

She added, “Our matches against SG Pipers had been very close before as well.

In one game, after conceding a goal in the final moments, it went to a shootout, and in another, we dominated but couldn't score. We felt we could win those matches. Before the final, our focus was solely on our game and skills, but unfortunately, we couldn't secure victory within regulation time. Still, this experience was very important for us.”

After a slow start, Bengal Tigers found their rhythm in the tournament. Lalremsiami praised the team's atmosphere, communication, and the role of senior players.

She stated, “We didn't have much time to build combinations, but the players and coaching staff put in full effort to understand each other. The team environment and communication were very good. Senior players guided the young ones in the right direction, and its impact was clearly visible on the field.”

On a personal level, the season was special for Lalremsiami. She scored three goals and secured a place among the tournament's top-five goal scorers.

She remarked, “In the previous season, I was playing in midfield, but this time I remained in the striker's role throughout the tournament. This gave me more opportunities to score. The support from midfield and defense players was outstanding. I enjoyed this season a lot.”

She also acknowledged that Hero HIL had enhanced her decision-making ability inside the circle.Lalremsiami explained, “As a striker, you have to make instant decisions in 1v1 situations and under pressure. This league gave me many such opportunities. Initially, there were some wrong decisions, but match by match, I learned, and now my decision-making has improved significantly.”

Discussing the strong core of Indian players, she highlighted the special experience of playing again with seniors like Vandana Katariya, Monika, and Gurjit.

Looking ahead, Lalremsiami noted that the Hero HIL experience would prove invaluable for upcoming challenges, including the Women's 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in Hyderabad in March, along with other major tournaments.

She concluded, “In the coming time, we have several high-pressure matches to play, where results will be decided by shootouts. Hero HIL has made us mentally stronger. This experience will undoubtedly help me in the World Cup Qualifiers and future tournaments.”

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar