Annu’s journey from Haryana's Rojkhera to the FIH Hockey Women's Junior World Cup 2023

The young forward opens up about her challenges and aspirations ahead of the tournament.

Annu, the dynamic forward of the Indian junior women’s hockey team, shared her journey from the quaint village of Rojkhera near Jind, Haryana, to the national team in a heartfelt conversation on Monday. She credited Rani Rampal, former Indian captain, and her father, Mr. Rajpal, for propelling her hockey career to new heights.

Annu aspires not only to make her mentors proud but also to contribute to the nation’s glory on the international stage as she gears up for the upcoming FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2023.

“My father was insistent from the start that I play a sport professionally. Initially, I played Kho Kho, but upon joining a sports academy in Sirsa in 2011, I had to choose between Judo and Hockey. To ignite my interest in the sport, my father shared stories about former India captain Rani, also from Haryana. ‘Her example deeply moved me, and it has been a constant source of motivation during challenging times,'” Annu shared of Rani’s influence on her life.

In 2013, Annu relocated to SAI Hisar after a two-year tenure in Sirsa to train under Azad Singh. She has participated in numerous National Championships and three editions of the Khelo India Youth Games. Her outstanding performance in the 9th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship 2019 secured her a spot in the juniors’ core group.

“As a child, the medals I earned at school were often disregarded, facing disapproval from the community. Despite this, I’m grateful that my father shielded us from external criticism and continued to support me. During that time, my mother’s illness made it challenging for me to be away from home; it was a tough phase for the entire family.

“Despite moments of despair, my father remained a pillar of strength. I owe my journey this far to him,” she elaborated on the challenges she encountered.

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Annu was a member of the Women’s Junior Asia Cup winning team in Kakamigahara, Japan, finishing as the leading scorer with nine goals in five games. Her focus now lies on the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2023, scheduled from 29th November to 10th December. India is placed in Pool C, alongside Germany, Belgium, and Canada.

“The entire team is tirelessly preparing for this World Cup. There are always areas to improve; for instance, I’m working on regaining possession after losing the ball in forward positions. I was a standby in the previous edition, but now I have the chance to give my all on the field and hopefully bring pride to the country,” Annu concluded.