Suman Devi Thoudam is an Indian field hockey defender hailing from Imphal, Manipur, who has represented India at both junior and senior levels. Known for her solid defensive skills and determination, she made a notable return to the Indian national team in 2025 after a three-year hiatus.
Early Life and Background
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Full Name: Suman Devi Thoudam
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Date of Birth: July 16, 1999 (some sources cite 1998)
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Place of Birth: Imphal, Manipur, India
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Position: Defender
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Family: Oldest daughter of Thoudam Anand
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Early Career:
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Started playing hockey at a young age, competing in inter-school and state tournaments from 2011 onwards.
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Represented Manipur in various junior national championships, achieving multiple runner-up and winner finishes.
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Part of the Indian youth team that won the World Youth Hockey Tournament (U18) in the Netherlands in 2014.
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Career Highlights
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International Debut and Early Career:
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Joined the Indian national camp in 2016.
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Played for both junior and senior national teams.
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Part of the squad that won the Asia Cup in 2017, contributing to India’s strong defensive record.
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Competed in the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy, where India finished second.
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Played in the 2018 Spain Tour and the Under-23 Six Nations Tournament in Belgium in 2018.
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National Team Appearances:
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Played at least 11 international matches by mid-2018.
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Last played for India in 2022 during a FIH Pro League match against the Netherlands in Bhubaneswar.
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Hiatus and Return:
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Dropped from the national core group after 2022 but remained committed to improving her game.
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Trained extensively at the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) in Delhi, focusing on defensive skills like tackling and man-to-man marking.
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Made a successful comeback to the Indian women’s hockey team in 2025, selected for the European leg of the FIH Pro League.
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Aims to solidify her place in the team during the demanding international schedule against top teams like Australia, Argentina, Belgium, and China.
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Playing Profile
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Strengths:
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Strong defensive positioning and tackling ability
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Composure and tactical awareness under pressure
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Improved man-to-man marking and anticipation
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Style:
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Reliable and disciplined defender who contributes to building a solid backline
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Works well within team defensive strategies and adapts to different leadership styles
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Notable Facts
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Suman has played under former captain Rani and current captain Salima Tete, appreciating the unique leadership qualities both bring to the team.
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She encourages young athletes to persevere through setbacks and maintain discipline and belief in their abilities.
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Her journey reflects resilience and dedication, returning stronger after years away from the senior national setup.
FAQs About Suman Devi Thoudam
What position does Suman Devi Thoudam play?
Defender
Which state and club does she represent?
Manipur Hockey; associated with Indian Oil Corporation Limited
How old is Suman Devi Thoudam?
25 (born July 16, 1999; as of mid-2025)
What are her main achievements?
Asia Cup 2017 winner, multiple international caps, comeback to the national team in 2025, strong defensive contributor
What is her playing style?
Disciplined, tactically aware defender with strong tackling and man-marking skills
Conclusion
Suman Devi Thoudam is a resilient and talented defender from Manipur who has made a significant impact on Indian women’s hockey. Her return to the national team in 2025 after a three-year gap highlights her dedication and potential to strengthen India’s defense in upcoming international competitions.
