All about Delhi SG Pipers squad for Women's HIL 2024-25

The Delhi SG Pipers have assembled a formidable lineup for the inaugural Women’s Hockey India League, securing several promising young stars during the player auction held in New Delhi on Tuesday. Among the notable acquisitions are Sunelita Toppo, Sangita Kumari, and Bichu Devi Kharibam, all of whom bring immense potential and skill to the team. The Delhi-based franchise has prioritized nurturing young talent, reflecting its commitment to developing the next generation of elite hockey players. By focusing on emerging stars, the team aims to provide a platform for these athletes to hone their skills and gain invaluable experience on one of the sport’s biggest stages. The franchise believes this approach will not only bolster its performance in the league but also contribute to the broader growth of hockey in India.

According to an official release, the strategy underscores the Pipers’ vision of combining youthful exuberance with competitive spirit. The squad's composition is designed to foster a balanced mix of energy, enthusiasm, and tactical prowess, setting the stage for a promising campaign in the Women’s HIL. The franchise is optimistic about the team’s potential and is eager to see how these rising stars perform in the high-stakes environment of the league.

The Delhi SG Pipers strategically invested in rising stars during the Women’s Hockey India League auction, assembling a youthful squad with an eye on long-term success. Among their top acquisitions were Sunelita Toppo (₹24 lakh), Sangita Kumari (₹22 lakh), Bichu Devi Kharibam (₹16 lakh), Deepika (₹20 lakh), and Mumtaz Khan (₹10 lakh). This deliberate focus on nurturing young talent highlights the franchise's commitment to building a team with potential for sustained growth over the years.

The squad boasts eight junior players, six of whom are exceptionally young and have the opportunity to evolve their skills significantly over the next three years. Sunelita, a standout player already representing the national team at just 17, is expected to make a profound impact on the international stage. Her inclusion underscores the team's emphasis on cultivating top-tier talent. Another promising addition to the roster is Ishika, who has gained valuable experience through her participation in national team training camps. With a mix of emerging stars and a forward-looking vision, the Delhi SG Pipers aim to develop a competitive edge while contributing to the future of Indian hockey. The franchise is optimistic about shaping these players into elite athletes capable of excelling at the highest levels.

Delhi SG Pipers Women’s Team head coach Dave Smolenaars said, “We got a lot of the players that we wanted and built a young team, strong Indian players with experienced foreign players so they can learn and we can really build into the future. Our auction strategy was flexible and being quick to decide what to go for and that worked out well. It should be a tough league with well-matched teams as it provides the Indian players with the strong competition they need.”

Delhi SG Pipers squad for Women's Hockey India League 2024-25

Goalkeepers: Bichu Devi Kharibam (India) (Rs 16 lakh), Elodie Picard (Belgium) (Rs 10 lakh), Bansari Solanki (India) (Rs 3 lakh)

Defenders: Emma Puvrez (Belgium) (Rs 10 lakh), Jyoti Singh (India) (Rs 2 lakh), Stephanie De Groof (Belgium) (Rs 5 lakh), Giselle Anne Ansley (England) (Rs 5 lakh), Miri Maroney (Australia) (Rs 2 lakh), Elizabeth Ann Neal (England) (Rs 2 lakh)

Midfielders: Manisha Chauhan (India) (Rs 12.5 lakh), Xan Gerdien De Waard (Netherlands) (Rs 10 lakh), Khaidem Shileima Chanu (India) (Rs 2.5 lakh), Manisha (India) (Rs 3.7 lakh), Manashri Shedge (India) (Rs 2 lakh)

Forwards: Sunelita Toppo (India) (Rs 24 lakh), Sangita Kumari (India) (Rs 22 lakh), Navneet Kaur (India) (Rs 19 lakh), Deepika (India) (Rs 20 lakh), Mumtaz Khan (India) (Rs 10 lakh), Ishika (India) (Rs 5.4 lakh), Geeta Yadav (India) (Rs 2 lakh), Charlotte Watson (Scotland) (Rs 2 lakh), Preeti Dubey (India) (Rs 6.7 lakh), Himanshi Sharad Gawande (India) (Rs 2.1 lakh).