After topping the points table in the inaugural season before narrowly missing out in the final, Soorma Hockey Club is set to enter the second season of the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) determined to go one step further and mount another serious title challenge.
Strong Goalkeeping Unit
One of Soorma Hockey Club’s greatest strengths lies in their goalkeeping department. The team features legendary goalkeeper and co-captain Savita, who recently achieved the milestone of 300 international caps for India, highlighting her longevity and impact at the highest level. She was also named ‘Goalkeeper of the Tournament’ last season and will continue to guide the team from the post.
Supporting Savita is Nidhi, the first-choice goalkeeper for the Indian Junior Women’s Team, who delivered an impressive performance at the recently concluded FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup in Chile. Having leading goalkeepers from both the Indian senior and junior women’s teams gives Soorma Hockey Club a notable advantage in goal.
Solid Defence
In defence, the club will once again rely on the experienced Australian Penny Squibb and India’s rising talent, Jyoti, who returns after an outstanding previous season where she was named ‘Player of the Tournament’. Joining them in the defensive lineup this season is Japan’s Shihori Oikawa, a seasoned international with 193 caps and 56 goals for her country. Jyoti Chhatri will provide additional support at the back.
Midfield Leadership
The midfield will be spearheaded by India captain Salima Tete, who will continue to lead Soorma Hockey Club this season as co-captain. Known for her high work rate, leadership, and ability to control the tempo of the game, Salima will be integral in linking defence and attack.
She will be supported by national teammates Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke and Baljeet Kaur, along with Ajmina Kujur, Binima Dhan, Hina Bano, and Nisha from the junior setup. Adding further international experience and flair to the squad are Sarah Robertson, with over 200 international caps for Scotland and Great Britain combined, Uruguay’s Vilar Del Valle Dupuy, and Argentina’s Jimena Maria Cedres.
Dynamic Attack
Up front, Soorma Hockey Club will feature the prolific Argentine, Maria Jose Granatto, who has netted 145 goals in her senior career and is certainly a player to watch in their attacking lineup. They will also rely on the attacking prowess of 24-year-old Olivia Shannon from New Zealand and India’s young attacking duo, Sonam and Mumtaz Khan. Sonam had a breakout season in the previous edition, finishing as the highest Indian goalscorer and claiming the ‘Upcoming Player of the Tournament’ award. She will look to build on her impressive form from last season.
Coaching and Strategy
Soorma Hockey Club will once again be guided by Head Coach Jude Menezes, whose tactical acumen and calm leadership were crucial to the team’s consistency last season. He will focus on building from last season’s positives and driving his squad to capitalize on their potential.
Team Strengths
Soorma Hockey Club’s primary strength lies in their blend of experienced Indian and international players across all positions. With veterans like Savita in goal, Penny Squibb and Shihori Oikawa in defence, Salima Tete in midfield, and Maria Jose Granatto in attack, the team is formidable on paper.
Addressing Weaknesses
However, the club will need to tackle the loss of key international players from last season, including Charlotte Englebert, Sophie Louise Hamilton, and Maria Verschoor. Englebert, who finished as the league’s joint top scorer with five goals, leaves a significant scoring gap. It will be essential for their forwards to hit the ground running and begin scoring early in the tournament to gain an advantage over their opponents.
Soorma Hockey Club will play their first Women’s Hero HIL 2025-26 fixture against Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers on December 29, 2025, in Ranchi.