Beauty Dung Dung and Sangita Kumari believe Ranchi Royals’s hockey lovers will turn the stadium into a fortress for the home team
As the Hero Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) prepares to return to Ranchi on 28 December, the anticipation in Jharkhand’s hockey heartland is unmistakable. For Ranchi Royals, the home leg of the league is more than just another set of fixtures it is an opportunity to reconnect elite women’s hockey with a city that has lived and breathed the sport for decades. And for two of its most prominent homegrown stars, Beauty Dung Dung and Sangita Kumari, it represents a deeply personal milestone.
Both players have emerged from Jharkhand’s famed hockey ecosystem to become regular members of the Indian women’s team since making their international debuts in 2021. Sangita Kumari, a proven goal-scorer with 30 international goals to her name, and Beauty Dung Dung, an industrious midfielder who has chipped in with six goals, now find themselves at the centre of Ranchi Royals’ plans for the league’s second season.
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For Sangita, who was part of India’s bronze medal-winning campaign at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the prospect of playing at home carries emotional weight. “It’s a proud feeling to play at my home ground,” she said. “Ranchi is always special. Now, representing the Ranchi Royals here makes it even more meaningful. The crowd loves hockey and that energy lifts the players. My family will also be in the stands, which makes it extra special.”
Beauty Dung Dung echoed that sentiment, underlining how intimidating Ranchi can be for visiting teams. “Whenever we play in Ranchi, the stadium is packed,” she said. “People here understand hockey. This is our home ground, so we will give everything to win and make the fans proud.”
Beyond the emotion of playing at home, both players see the Hero HIL as a critical pillar in the growth of women’s hockey in India. Dung Dung believes the league bridges a long-standing gap between junior promise and senior opportunity. “As a junior, you often wonder when your chance will come at the senior level,” she explained. “This league allows young players to compete alongside top international athletes. When the highest level improves, the grassroots will naturally benefit.”
She also highlighted the broader learning environment the league creates. “Women’s hockey is rising, and the Hero HIL helps push it further. Even junior and state-level players gain from watching closely—both women’s and men’s matches. It’s a complete learning experience.”
Invaluable experience alongside international stars
One of the defining features of the Hero HIL has been the presence of elite foreign players, and Ranchi Royals are no exception. The squad includes Argentine internationals Agustina Albertario and Agostina Alonso, both Olympic medallists silver at Tokyo 2021 and bronze at Paris 2024 bringing world-class pedigree into the dressing room.
Sangita believes such exposure is transformative. “There’s so much we can learn from foreign players, and it’s a two-way exchange,” she said. “We discuss basics, techniques, and new skills. These conversations help us grow.”
Dung Dung added that the initial hesitation around approaching international stars has faded. “Earlier, we were a bit nervous, but now we speak freely. When something doesn’t work on the field, we ask them for advice, and they’re always willing to help. Sometimes, they even ask us questions. That exchange builds confidence.”
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Both players expressed excitement about sharing the field with Albertario and Alonso. “They bring huge experience,” Sangita noted. “Playing alongside them and sharing the dressing room will be a big learning curve.” Dung Dung agreed, pointing out that the Argentinians’ match awareness and decision-making are qualities younger players can absorb quickly.
Ranchi Royals also boast a strong core of emerging Indian talent, including Sakshi Rana and Kanika Siwach, who featured at the recent Junior Women’s World Cup in Chile. Offering advice to the next generation, Sangita kept it simple. “They should enjoy the game and trust their skills. That’s the most important thing. Back your technique and give your best.”
As Ranchi prepares to welcome top-tier women’s hockey once again, the spotlight will firmly be on its daughters in blue. For Beauty Dung Dung and Sangita Kumari, the Hero HIL is not just about results it is about inspiring a city, validating a pathway, and giving back to the place that shaped them.
The Hero Women’s Hockey India League begins on 28 December, with hosts Ranchi Royals taking on SG Pipers. All matches will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3 and DD Sports, and live-streamed on Waves and the Hockey India League YouTube channel.
