“I was overwhelmed with joy when I received the news” - Marina Lalramnghaki on making it to the Indian Women’s Hockey Team core group
The 22-year-old energetic midfielder from Mizoram, Marina Lalramnghaki recently secured her place in the 33-member Indian women’s hockey team core group, announced by Hockey India.
The group is currently having training sessions at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in Bengaluru. Marina's impressive display of skill and determination were important in helping her secure her spot after the intense trials conducted among the 60-member squad.
Speaking on her selection in the core group, Marina Lalramnghaki stated that she was overjoyed to hear the news of her inclusion in the national team’s group.
"I was overwhelmed with joy when I received the news of my selection in the core group," Marina told Hockey India. "It was a dream come true moment for me, and tears of joy filled my eyes. I always had confidence in my abilities, and the successful trials reaffirmed my belief."
Marina Lalramnghaki displayed her dominance in the 14th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship in Pune, scoring three goals to steal the spotlight. In the past, she has participated in the FIH Hockey Women's Junior World Cup 2021 and the U-21 3 Nations Invitational Tournament in Australia in 2019.
Marina has already set her eyes on the upcoming tournaments and is determined to earn a place in the 18-member Indian squad.
"My ultimate goal is to contribute to the success of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team in the 2026 Women's FIH Hockey World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. However, currently, my focus is to make it to the squad of the Indian team. Nevertheless, I am fully committed to giving my best and making my country proud," Marina stated.
Marina Lalramnghaki inspired by Lalremsiami and idolizes Sushila Chanu
It’s important to note that Marina’s hockey journey began at the age of 10 during her school days. SAI Women Hockey Academy in Mizoram soon identified the talent and selected her. Moreover, she credited her inspiration to Lalremsiami.
“Drawing inspiration from Lalremsiami, whose journey from Mizoram resonates deeply with my own, I was propelled to pursue a hockey career. Her relentless dedication and remarkable achievements served as a guiding light, instilling in me the belief that dreams can be turned into reality with perseverance and hard work,” she added.
Additionally, she disclosed that the Indian team midfielder Sushila Chanu was her idol.