Indian hockey defender Udita happy with performance on return from injury at Women's Hockey Asia Cup

Udita shines was named the Player of the Tournament at Women’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025.

Indian women’s hockey team experienced defender Udita expressed pride and gratitude after being adjudged the Player of the Tournament at the Women’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025, where India clinched the silver medal following a 1-4 defeat to hosts China in the Final.

Udita, who made her mark with both defensive solidity and attacking contributions, played a pivotal role throughout the tournament.

Stepping up in the absence of regular drag-flicker Deepika, who missed the tournament due to injury, she shouldered the team’s penalty corner duties and successfully converted three goals, all coming through set-pieces.

Speaking on the honour, Udita said, “It is a proud moment for me to be named the Player of the Tournament. This recognition is very special because I had missed the Pro League matches in Europe earlier this year, and coming back strongly in such an important tournament was always my target.

“I am grateful to my teammates and coaching staff for believing in me and supporting me throughout this journey.”

Reflecting on the team’s overall campaign, she added, “We played some very good hockey as a unit and showed a lot of character in tough matches. Our victories against teams like Korea and Japan gave us great confidence.

“Unfortunately, the final didn’t go our way, but this silver medal is a step forward and gives us the motivation to keep improving as we prepare for bigger challenges ahead.”

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India’s campaign in Hangzhou saw them finish unbeaten in the Pool stage with seven points from three matches, registering resounding wins against Thailand (11-0) and Singapore (12-0), while drawing against Japan (2-2).

In the Super4s stage, India defeated Korea 4-2, went down against China 1-4, and held Japan to a thrilling 1-1 draw to secure their place in the Final.

Udita concluded by dedicating her award to the team’s collective effort and said, “Individual awards are always special, but for me, it reflects the effort of the entire team.

“Every player contributed, and I am honoured to represent such a hardworking group. We will learn from this experience and come back even stronger.”

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