Punjab Newsline,Sports:
After finishing runners-up in the Women’s Hockey India League 2025-26, the Bengal Tigers forward called the season a major learning experience
Bengal Tigers forward Lalremsiami said the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26 proved to be a crucial platform in her growth as a player, helping her evolve as a striker and improve her ability to make decisions under pressure. Reflecting on the season, she expressed confidence that the team would return stronger and aim for the title next year.
Lalremsiami stated that the Tigers enjoyed a strong campaign overall. Although the team fell short of lifting the trophy, she felt their collective performance was commendable. She said that while results are not always in a team’s control, the effort, unity and learning throughout the season made the experience highly satisfying.
The Tigers were involved in several tight encounters that were decided by penalty shootouts, including the final. Recalling those moments, Lalremsiami explained that the team focused on trusting its own strengths rather than overanalysing the opposition. The approach before the final was to play their natural game and attempt to finish the match in regulation time, even though the result ultimately went against them.
After a slow start, the Bengal Tigers gained momentum as the tournament progressed. According to Lalremsiami, strong communication, a positive team environment and effective leadership helped the players build chemistry in a short period. Senior players played a key role in guiding the younger members of the squad, which brought consistency to the team’s performances.
Individually, Lalremsiami enjoyed one of her best seasons. Playing the entire tournament as a striker, she scored three goals and finished among the top scorers. She credited the support from the midfielders and defenders for creating scoring opportunities and said she was satisfied with her performance.
She highlighted that the league significantly improved her decision-making inside the circle, especially in high-pressure one-on-one situations. Looking ahead to a busy international calendar, including the 2026 FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup Qualifiers, Lalremsiami said the experience gained in HIL would be invaluable in handling pressure and performing better in future tournaments.