Indian women’s Hockey Team has talent to win medal in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics: Lilima Minz

The Indian women’s hockey team midfielder Lilima Minz believes that Indian women’s team certainly has the potential to win medal at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics 2021.

“We certainly have the talent to win a medal in Tokyo. Our team has seen the steady rise since I first joined the team in 2013. I think earlier, we lacked belief in ourselves , but now , we are ready to compete against any top side in the world” Hockey India’s official website quoted Minz as saying.

“We have certainly worked hard for the success we have seen in the last couple of years, but lot of credit for the good results should go to Hockey India. They have provided all the necessary equipments, brought in the best coaches and trainers and ensured that we have all the facilities at the Sports Authority of India campus in Bengaluru , where we spend most of our time. In the end , it’s us players who have to go out and do the job, but the support from Hockey India has been fantastic ” the midfielder added.

She has played more than 150 international games for India. Her experience will be a huge advantage for India at the Olympics next year. She also talked about her journey in Hockey and credited Rourkela Panposh Sports Trails which changed her life and gave her a wider perspective that she can make her carrier in the field of hockey.

“When I was in school, the Rourkela Panposh Sports hostel had held trail for Hockey players. Those who knew about trails, they went for it, but since I didn’t know about the trails, I was on my way out of my school. When I was leaving, the coach who had come to conduct the trails called me and asked me to join the selection process. I took part in the trails and got selected to practice at the Rourkela Panposh Sports hostel. After learning the techniques at the hostel and practicing there for five-six years, I eventually made to the Junior National camp in 2011.Therefore going for the Rourkela Panposh Sports Hostel trails changed my life” said Minz.

She was part of that Indian women’s hockey team who won the bronze medal for the first time in Junior’s Women’s Hockey World Cup held in Germany on 4th July 2013.

She made her international debut in Seniors women’s team for India in 2011 during a four-nation tournament held in Argentina. In March 2018 she represented India in her 100th International game. Mini represented that Indian team who took part in the Summer Olympics in Rio 2016.