Young Deepika Sehrawat explains how she handles mental stress and why forwards don't become drag-flick specialists

Deepika Sehrawat was signed by the Delhi SG Pipers for the Hockey India League.

Deepika Sehrawat, a young Indian forward, has become an integral part of the senior Indian women’s hockey team. The 21-year-old, who was signed by the Delhi SG Pipers, finished as the top scorer and was adjudged the Best Player of the Tournament at the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy. Her feats helped India defend their title.

She was also the top scorer at the Junior Asia Cup 2024—a year after finishing as the second highest goalscorer in the same competition—highlighting her potential as one of the brightest young talents in the Hockey India League.

Still pretty young, Deepika is already a penalty-corner specialist and will be one of the drag-flickers to look out for in the upcoming edition of the Women’s Hockey India League. Deepika was acquired by the Delhi SG Pipers for Rs 20 lakhs in the women’s auction.

Khel Now had an opportunity to interact with the young forward prior to the start of the Women’s HIL. Here are excerpts from the exclusive conversation.

Q) What was your initial reaction after being signed by the Delhi SG Pipers at the auction?

Deepika Sehrawat: I always wanted Delhi to buy me and when it happened, I was very happy.

Q) How do you see HIL improving yourself and other junior players?

Deepika Sehrawat: While the growth is bound to happen, the most important thing is the experience we will get playing in the league with seniors and Overseas players. Observing how do they live, and what is their style will make a lot of difference. We will get to learn a lot from them.

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Q) Any Overseas players you are excited to play with?

Deepika Sehrawat: I am excited to play with Dutch player Yibbi Jansen.

Q) You are a forward and a drag-flicker as well. It’s very rare to see a drag-flicker who is a forward as most of the drag-flickers are defenders.

Deepika Sehrawat: Drag flickers don’t need to be defenders necessarily, but what happens is that the defender stays on the field for a longer time while strikers do not have that much time. Being a forward as well as a drag-flick specialist means I have to focus on fitness a little more as I will have to be on the field for a long time.

Q) You were the leading goalscorer in the Asian Championship and Jr Asia Cup. Will that add any pressure on you especially in the Hockey India League?

Deepika Sehrawat: Yes, there is pressure, and it can be high at times, but my coaches and teammates ensure that I don’t feel it that wat. They always tell me to focus on myself and my skills. As a young player, there are moments when I feel mentally stressed, especially since everyone expects results from me.

The reassurance from my teammates and coaches also makes a difference. They tell me, ‘Don’t worry, we are with you,’ and that support means a lot.

Q) Who is your role model and what is his/her impact on your game?

Deepika Sehrawat: My role model is the Indian men’s hockey team is captain Harmanpreet Singh. My training routine is also like him. The way he runs his team inspires me and I also want to become like him.

Q) Can you tell me about your training routine, which exercise do you love the most?

Deepika Sehrawat: We train in the morning and evening for two and a half hours each. Sometimes, it even goes up to three hours. During training, I mostly enjoy playing attacking hockey and that’s what I like the most.”

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