Reflecting on her debut tour with the senior team, Sujata said, \u201cThe tour was a great experience for me, as it was my first time playing with the senior team. There's always a bit more pressure in such situations, but I learned a lot just by observing the seniors and understanding how they approach training and matches.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe senior players were very warm and encouraging right from the beginning. They kept telling me not to take too much pressure and to just focus on playing my natural game. Everyone was very supportive,\u201d she added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sujata\u2019s hockey journey, however, wasn\u2019t an easy one. Growing up in Sundargarh, she looked up to Deep Grace Ekka and began playing hockey at the age of 10. Despite financial constraints, her determination never wavered.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI started playing in my hometown\u2019s academy when I was quite young. At first, I didn\u2019t even have my own hockey stick or shoes, so I would borrow from my teammates. There were times I had to play barefoot because my shoes were torn, but I never stopped playing,\u201d she recalled.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The youngest of three siblings, Sujata says that support from her family has always been unwavering. \u201cMy parents have always stood by me. Not once did they say that I shouldn\u2019t play hockey. They always encouraged me to give my best and work hard,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The call-up for the Australia tour was a dream come true. \u201cWhen I was selected, my parents and entire family were overjoyed. I had only recently joined the national camp, so I couldn\u2019t believe it myself. It was a very proud moment for all of us,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Recalling the early years, Sujata said, \u201cI got my first hockey stick when I was around 15. The coaches at my academy constantly motivated me to keep working hard and improve every day.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The call-up for the Australia tour was a dream come true. \u201cWhen I was selected, my parents and entire family were overjoyed. I had only recently joined the national camp, so I couldn\u2019t believe it myself. It was a very proud moment for all of us,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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