Sujata Kujur, born on January 25, 2003, in Sundargarh, Odisha, is a promising defender for the Indian women’s national hockey team. Her journey from rural Odisha to the international stage is marked by resilience, family support, and consistent performances at both junior and senior levels.
Early Life and Background
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Family: Daughter of Dina Kujur, a farmer, and a homemaker mother. She is the youngest of three siblings.
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Hockey Roots: Grew up in Sundargarh, a region renowned for producing hockey talent. Inspired by Deep Grace Ekka, she began playing hockey at age 10.
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Training: Started at her hometown’s academy, often borrowing equipment and sometimes playing barefoot due to financial constraints.
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Support System: Her parents always encouraged her, and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) later provided crucial financial support, allowing her to focus on hockey and support her family.
Career Highlights
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Junior Career:
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Key player for the Indian Junior Women’s team that won gold at the 2023 Junior Asia Cup in Japan.
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Represented India at the 4 Nations Junior Women’s Invitational Tournament in Düsseldorf and the FIH Junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile (2023).
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University Level:
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Led Sambalpur University’s women’s hockey team to a gold medal at the 2023 Khelo India University Games, winning a dramatic final in a penalty shootout.
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Senior National Team:
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Made her senior India debut in 2024, touring Australia with the national team.
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Transitioned from junior to senior setup, learning from experienced players and adapting to the demands of international hockey.
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Domestic Career:
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Trained at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Sundargarh and later at the National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) in Kolkata.
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Playing Profile
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Position: Defender (also played as midfielder in early career)
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Strengths:
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Strong tackling, anticipation, and composure under pressure
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Ability to transition play from defense to attack
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Leadership qualities, having captained at the university level
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Style:
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Modern, technically skilled defender with a focus on teamwork and discipline
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Notable Facts
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Overcame early challenges, including playing barefoot and with borrowed equipment, to reach the national stage.
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The stipend from the TOPS scheme allowed her to support her family and continue her education.
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Known for her disciplined lifestyle and commitment to training, often practicing extra to improve her skills.
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Her journey inspires young athletes from rural and underprivileged backgrounds, especially girls in Odisha.
Career Stats (as of July 2025)
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 25, 2003 |
| Age | 22 |
| Position | Defender |
| Senior International Caps | 5+ |
| Major Achievements | Junior Asia Cup Gold (2023), Khelo India University Games Gold (2023), Senior India debut (2024) |
FAQs About Sujata Kujur
What position does Sujata Kujur play?
Defender (also played as midfielder early in her career)
Which state and club does she represent?
Odisha; Sambalpur University, SAI Sundargarh, NCOE Kolkata
How old is Sujata Kujur?
22 (born January 25, 2003; as of July 2025)
What are her major achievements?
Junior Asia Cup gold medalist (2023), Khelo India University Games gold medalist (2023), senior India debut in 2024
What is her playing style?
Disciplined, technically skilled defender with strong tackling and leadership qualities
Conclusion
Sujata Kujur’s journey from the fields of Sundargarh to the Indian women’s hockey team is a story of perseverance, talent, and the power of grassroots sports. As a young defender with international medals and league success, she stands as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across India, especially from underrepresented regions. Her continued rise promises a bright future for Indian hockey.
