Sharmila Devi Godara, commonly known as Sharmila Devi, is a prominent Indian field hockey forward who has rapidly emerged as a key player for the national team. Hailing from Hisar, Haryana, she is recognized for her agility, goal-scoring ability, and resilience on and off the field.
Early Life and Background
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Full Name: Sharmila Devi Godara
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Date of Birth: October 10, 2001
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Place of Birth: Hisar, Haryana, India
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Position: Forward
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Clubs: Hockey Haryana, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, Soorma Hockey Club (since 2025)
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Family: Inspired by her brother, she began playing hockey at a young age and overcame societal challenges to pursue her passion.
Career Highlights
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International Debut:
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Made her senior debut for India against the USA in the 2019 Women’s FIH Olympic Qualifiers, scoring a goal in her very first match.
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Olympics:
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Selected for the Indian squad at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she played a crucial role in India’s historic fourth-place finish, including scoring against Great Britain in the pool stage.
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Commonwealth Games:
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Part of the Indian team that won the bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
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Major Tournaments:
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Competed in the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup and multiple editions of the FIH Pro League.
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Caps and Goals:
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Over 74 international caps and 8 goals for India as of 2025.
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Awards and Recognition:
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Nominated for the FIH Women’s Rising Star of the Year Award 2020–2021, recognizing her impact at the Tokyo Olympics and her overall contribution to the team.
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Playing Profile
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Strengths:
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Exceptional speed and agility as a forward
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Ability to create and convert goal-scoring opportunities
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Strong work ethic and commitment to team play
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Style:
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Aggressive attacker known for her runs into the circle and pressing the opposition
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Versatile, with improved defensive contributions in recent seasons
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Recent Developments
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After a nine-month hiatus from the national side in 2023–2024, Sharmila made a determined comeback to the Indian team during the FIH Pro League in February 2024, showcasing her resilience and dedication to improvement.
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She continues to focus on enhancing both her attacking and defensive skills, aiming to deliver consistent performances and help India achieve more international success.
Notable Facts
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Sharmila became a role model for young girls in India, particularly in Haryana, advocating for dedication and hard work in sports.
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She played a pivotal role in India’s best-ever Olympic finish for women’s hockey and is seen as a future leader in the team.
FAQs About Sharmila Devi Godara
What position does Sharmila Devi play?
Forward
Where is she from?
Hisar, Haryana, India
How old is Sharmila Devi?
23 (born October 10, 2001; as of July 2025)
What are her main achievements?
Olympian (Tokyo 2020), Commonwealth Games bronze medalist (2022), FIH Women’s Rising Star nominee, over 70 international caps
What is her playing style?
Fast, agile, and aggressive forward with a focus on goal-scoring and team play
Conclusion
Sharmila Devi Godara stands out as one of India’s brightest hockey talents, making significant contributions at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and other major tournaments. Her journey from Hisar to the world stage is marked by determination, skill, and a commitment to inspire the next generation of Indian athletes.
