Deepika Sehrawat, born December 6, 2003, in Hisar, Haryana, is a standout Indian field hockey forward and one of the country’s most promising drag-flick specialists. Her journey from a wrestling family to the national hockey team is marked by determination, adaptability, and a string of record-breaking performances.
Early Life and Background
-
Family & Roots: Grew up in a wrestling-centric family in Hisar. Her father and elder brother were both wrestlers, and she initially trained on the mat alongside her brother at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) center.
-
Hockey Beginnings: Deepika’s interest in hockey began serendipitously in 2012 when, at age 9, she picked up a hockey stick while waiting for her brother’s wrestling sessions to finish. Coach Azad Singh Malik noticed her curiosity and encouraged her to try the sport, providing her with equipment and early guidance.
-
Early Challenges: Coming from a modest background, she faced difficulties accessing proper training and equipment, but her talent and discipline quickly set her apart.
Career Highlights
-
Domestic Breakthrough: Rose to prominence in 2018 by scoring 16 goals at the National Sub-Junior Championship, earning the “Best Player” award and a call-up to the national junior camp.
-
Junior International Debut: Made her India junior debut at the 2018 Youth Olympic Qualifiers and later starred in the 2021 Junior World Cup and the gold-winning 2023 Junior Asia Cup squad.
-
Senior Team Debut: Debuted for the senior Indian team in the FIH Pro League 2021–22 in Bhubaneswar.
-
Major Tournaments and Achievements:
-
Asian Games: Bronze medalist at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, scoring a hat-trick against Hong Kong and her first international goal against Singapore.
-
Asian Champions Trophy 2024: Scored 11 goals, becoming only the sixth Indian woman to score 10+ goals in a single international tournament and helping India to gold.
-
Olympic Qualifiers & Pro League: Played a key role in the 2024 Olympic qualifiers and FIH Pro League, establishing herself as a reliable drag-flicker and forward.
-
-
Awards: Winner of the Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (2024), recognized for her performances at the Asian Champions Trophy and Junior Asia Cup.
Playing Profile
-
Position: Forward (Drag-flick specialist)
-
Strengths:
-
Exceptional drag-flicking ability, a rare skill in Indian women’s hockey
-
Scoring consistency in high-pressure tournaments
-
Calm demeanor and leadership qualities despite her young age
-
-
Style:
-
Aggressive, pacey forward known for her penalty corner conversions and attacking instincts
-
Provides a calming influence and inspires teammates with her resilience
-
Notable Facts
-
Deepika is the sixth Indian woman to score 10 or more goals in a single international tournament.
-
Her rapid rise has been supported by her family, coach Azad Singh Malik, and the robust Hockey Haryana program.
-
She actively motivates young athletes by sharing her story in schools and workshops.
Career Stats (as of mid-2025)
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 6, 2003 |
| Age | 21 |
| Position | Forward / Drag-flicker |
| Senior International Caps | 55+ |
| Major Achievements | Asian Games bronze (2022), Asian Champions Trophy gold (2024), Junior Asia Cup gold (2023), Asunta Lakra Award (2024) |
| Record | 11 goals in 2024 Asian Champions Trophy |
FAQs About Deepika Sehrawat
What position does Deepika Sehrawat play?
Forward and drag-flick specialist
Where is she from?
Hisar, Haryana, India
How old is Deepika Sehrawat?
21 (born December 6, 2003; as of July 2025)
What are her major achievements?
Asian Games bronze medalist (2022), Asian Champions Trophy gold (2024), Junior Asia Cup gold (2023), Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player (2024), record goal-scorer
What is her playing style?
Aggressive, pacey forward with a rare drag-flicking skill, composure under pressure, and a knack for scoring in big matches
Conclusion
Deepika Sehrawat’s journey from the wrestling mats of Hisar to the international hockey stage is a story of talent, resilience, and breaking new ground for Indian women’s hockey. As a drag-flicking forward and record-setter, she continues to inspire the next generation of athletes across India.
