Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, born on November 28, 2002, in Kolki village, Satara district, Maharashtra, is a dynamic forward for the Indian women’s national hockey team. Known for her speed, dribbling, and finishing, she has quickly risen from rural beginnings to become one of India’s most promising young hockey talents.
Early Life and Background
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Family: Rutuja comes from a modest background—her father works at a TVS company in Phaltan, and her mother is a homemaker. She is the first in her family to pursue sports.
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Start in Sports: Initially spotted for her running ability by sports teacher Vikas Bhujbal, she attended a summer athletics camp before switching to hockey at the suggestion of Olympian coach Ajit Lakra.
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Training: Developed her skills at Krida Prabodhini in Pune, where her dribbling and attacking instincts were quickly noticed.
Career Highlights
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Domestic Career:
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Plays for Union Bank of India and Hockey Maharashtra in domestic tournaments.
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Starred for Odisha Warriors in the inaugural Women’s Hockey India League (WHIL) 2024, scoring both goals in the final to secure the title and being named Player of the Match.
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Junior International Career:
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Key member of India’s gold-winning squad at the 2023 Women’s Junior Asia Cup in Kakamigahara.
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Competed in the 2023 FIH Junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile.
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Hockey5s:
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Represented India at the 2024 FIH Hockey5s World Cup in Oman, finishing as runners-up and becoming India’s second-highest goal scorer in the tournament.
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Senior National Team:
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Made her senior India debut in the FIH Pro League in Bhubaneswar in February 2025, scoring on debut against England and again in the next match against Spain.
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Selected among the core probables for the senior national camp and continues to feature in the squad for major international tournaments.
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Playing Profile
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Position: Forward
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Strengths:
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Speed, dribbling, and attacking instincts
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Ability to score under pressure and in big matches
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Aggressive, energetic style with a flair for field goals
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Style:
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Known for her Virat Kohli-like aggression and celebration after scoring
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Consistently finds herself in the right position inside the circle, making her a reliable finisher
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Notable Facts
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Rutuja’s rise was inspired by the film “Chak De! India” and the encouragement of her coaches.
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She is a role model for young athletes from rural Maharashtra, proving that talent and determination can overcome resource constraints.
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Her passport error led to her name sometimes being spelled as “Rutaja” in official documents.
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She is now helping her younger brother start his own sports journey.
Career Stats (as of July 2025)
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 28, 2002 |
| Age | 22 |
| Position | Forward |
| Senior International Caps | 5+ |
| Senior International Goals | 2+ |
| Major Achievements | WHIL final match-winner, Junior Asia Cup gold (2023), Hockey5s World Cup silver (2024), FIH Pro League debut goals |
FAQs About Rutuja Pisal
What position does Rutuja Pisal play?
Forward
Where is she from?
Kolki, Satara district, Maharashtra, India
How old is Rutuja Pisal?
22 (born November 28, 2002; as of July 2025)
What are her major achievements?
WHIL final hero (2024), Junior Asia Cup gold medalist (2023), Hockey5s World Cup silver medalist (2024), scored on senior India debut
What is her playing style?
Fast, aggressive forward with sharp dribbling, finishing skills, and a flair for big-match goals
Conclusion
Rutuja Pisal’s journey from rural Maharashtra to the national and international hockey stage is a story of perseverance, talent, and breakthrough performances. As a WHIL final hero and a rising star in Indian women’s hockey, she continues to inspire young athletes and promises a bright future for the sport in India.
