“Rani assured me that the Soormas will pick me” - Jyoti Rumawat opens up about representing Soorma Hockey Club in the lead-up to HIL 2024 [Exclusive]
Things could not have been any better for Jyoti Rumawat, the talented Indian defender, ahead of the historic women's Hockey India League (HIL). Being part of an iconic tournament is a great moment for Jyoti, but representing a team from her state of Haryana makes it even more meaningful.
Jyoti will be a part of the Soorma Hockey Club after being snapped by the Haryana-based team at the first-ever HIL women's player auction. Her addition to the squad was the least of surprises. Jyoti was already assured of a spot in the team by Soorma coach and celebrated hockey legend Rani Rampal.
Jyoti Rumawat was in a conversation with Sportskeeda at the recently concluded Senior Women Inter-Department National Championship in Delhi.
“Right from the get-go, I wanted to be a part of the Haryana Soorma Club. Somewhere I knew it was destined to be as Rani had already assured me they would be going all out to get me. I am really happy that it went that way in the end," said Jyoti.
During the auction proceedings held in October, a moment caused immense confusion and anxiety among the players. Jyoti shared what was going through her mind when the senior players started to go unsold.
"At one point, there was confusion with senior players going unsold. That did cause a bit of unrest for us players. To watch such a historic event unfold and then out of nowhere having some of the best Indian players going unsold was a strange feeling. But in the end, it all worked out perfectly and we were glad it did," she added.
There will be a lot we can learn from the foreign players at the HIL, says Jyoti Rumawat
The inaugural women's HIL promises to be a great stage for all involved. Indian players don't get to interact and learn from other talented names around the globe too often.
Jyoti Rumawat feels it will do good for the Indian players to share the dressing room with some of the best international faces.
"What really excites me is that there are so many talented players in the league. These are some of the biggest names in our sport. For instance, there is so much one can learn from the mindset of the European players. Young Indian players shall benefit immensely from this whole experience," concluded Rumawat.
Jyoti Rumawat, 24, has already proven her mantle on the biggest of stages around the world. For her, the HIL is now yet another opportunity to showcase her talent and the incredible potential she possesses.