Sudeep Pakrashi:
Sujata Kujur added a feather to Bengal’s hockey legacy, becoming the first female field hockey player from the state to have represented the senior Indian team. The 22-year-old midfielder made her debut in one match only against the Australia-A team in the five-test series held from 26 April to 4 May. Three tests were played against Australia’s senior women’s squad.
Previously, the midfielder had represented the country in the Junior Asian Cup in Japan in 2023, in
Four-Nation junior tournament and in Junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile in 2023.
Sujata is now at her home in Sundargarh, Odisha. She has been given only a four-day rest before joining the women’s national preparatory camp in Bangalore for the national team’s European Leg of FIH Pro-League this year, set to be held in June.
But the midfielder who originally played as a defender did not sound much elated, speaking over the phone from her home. She also smilingly disclosed that some of her neighbours and local friends were even aware that Sujata Kujur, the first India international from her village, returned home! When asked about the gain from her maiden international competition, she stated, “I have always idolized Indian international Sushila Chanu, and I was fortunate to have her with me on the trip. She gave me crucial advice and motivated me also before the match.”
Sujata continued, “Secondly, I should mention Savita Punia’s name. Initially, I was slightly nervous after being selected for the team. But during the training period, Savita inspired me a lot, telling me, ‘enjoy the match’. More importantly, after the match, she appreciated my performance. Appreciation from such an experienced and renowned player will work as motivation for me.”
When asked about the lesson she got on the field, Sujata explained, “I need to improve my speed and sense of positioning.”
Sujata’s hockey journey, however, wasn’t an easy one. Growing up in Sundargarh, she looked up to Deep Grace Ekka and began playing hockey at the age of 10. Despite financial constraints, her determination never wavered.
“I started playing in my hometown’s academy when I was quite young. At first, I didn’t even have my hockey stick or shoes, so I would borrow from my teammates. There were times I had to play barefoot because my shoes were torn, but I never stopped playing,” she recalled.
The youngest of three siblings, Sujata says that support from her family has always been unwavering. “My parents have always stood by me. Not once did they say that I shouldn’t play hockey. They always encouraged me to give my best and work hard,” she said.
Sujata, who expressed thankfulness to her SAI coach Mohanty for having nurtured her for the last nine years, is now eyeing a berth in the senior Indian squad for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
