New Delhi [India], December 26 (ANI): After ending final within the inaugural season of the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) with simply two wins, one in all them coming in a shootout, and managing solely 4 objectives throughout six league matches, SG Pipers will head into the upcoming season decided to show issues round and deal with their struggles in entrance of aim, as per an HIL launch.
SG Pipers will depend on a composed goalkeeping unit as they appear to construct a extra resilient defensive construction this season. Argentina’s senior goalkeeper Cristina Cosentino brings useful worldwide expertise this season ,whereas Bansari Solanki offers a strong Indian possibility between the posts.
In defence, the arrival of Udita is a major increase for the Pipers, including expertise, management and high quality in penalty nook conditions. The most costly participant from final season, SG Pipers had been fortunate sufficient to safe Udita for the bottom worth, who has 134 senior caps and 17 objectives for her nation.
Young defender Jyoti Singh, captain of the Indian Junior Women’s Team, can even be a vital participant of their defensive unit. International expertise is additional bolstered by Spain’s Lola Riera and Argentina’s Costa Biondi Valentina Isabel, whereas Indian kids Manisha, Shilpi Dabas and Suman Devi Thoudam add depth to the backline.
In midfield, skilled Australian Kaitlin Nobbs, with 16 objectives in 156 senior appearances and Argentina’s 20-year-old wonderkid Juana Castellar,o with 48 senior caps already, will characteristic for the Pipers. Joining them will likely be Sunelita Toppo who’s already a part of the Indian senior setup at simply 18. Her teammates from the lately concluded FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup, Ishika and Khaidem Shileima Chanu, are additionally a part of the squad.
Up entrance, SG Pipers will as soon as once more financial institution on India’s confirmed forwards, Captain Navneet Kaur and Deepika, two of the nation’s most prolific goalscorers who featured final season as properly. While objectives had been onerous to come back by within the earlier version, the duo’s expertise and ending skill stay central to the workforce’s attacking plans. Experienced Indian attackers Sharmila Devi and Preeti Dubey can even be part of them this season.
Another essential addition to the workforce is Uruguay’s extraordinarily prolific ahead Maria Teresa Vianaache, who has slotted 69 objectives in simply 68 appearances throughout worldwide appearances. Pipers additionally acquired Priscilla Jardel Mateos of Argentina as they goal to enhance their conversion price contained in the circle.
Strength:SG Pipers possess a robust core of skilled Indian internationals throughout departments. With confirmed performers resembling Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Udita and Sharmila Devi all of their prime, the facet has the standard and profile to make a robust impression this season.
Weakness:Goals stay the largest concern for SG Pipers after scoring simply 4 objectives within the league stage final season. But with 4 huge additions within the assault, the Pipers have made it clear that they’ll pose a a lot larger risk on aim this season.
SG Pipers Squad:
Cristina Cosentino (Argentina), Bansari Solanki, Udita, Jyoti Singh, Lola Riera (Spain), Costa Biondi Valentina Isabel (Argentina), Manisha, Suman Devi Thoudam, Shilpi Dabas, Sunelita Toppo, Kaitlin Nobbs (Australia), Juana Castellaro (Argentina), Ishika, Khaidem Shileima Chanu, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Sharmila Devi, Preeti Dubey, Maria Teresa Vianaache (Uruguay), Priscilla Jardel Mateos (Argentina).
SG Pipers will play their opening recreation of the Women’s HIL in opposition to Ranchi Royals on twenty eighth December 2025, in Ranchi at 7:30 PM IST.
All matches of the Hero Hockey India League will likely be broadcast stay on Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3 and DD Sports. The matches can even be live-streamed on Waves and the Hockey India League YouTube channel. (ANI)