Kanika Siwach: Indian Hockey Stars Head Down Under

Kanika Siwach: Indian Hockey Stars Head Down Under, as four Indian players have signed to play in Australia’s Hockey One league this October and November. Kanika Siwach and Udita will represent the Melbourne Cobras women’s team, while Gurjant Singh and Mohammed Raheel Mouseen join the men’s squad. Former Indian stars Rupinder Pal Singh and Rani Rampal are ambassadors for the club, which blends Indian and Australian talent.

Kanika Siwach, daughter of former India captain Pritam Siwach, said she wanted to challenge herself. “I wanted to step out of my comfort zone,” she explained. She noted that Australian hockey is faster, more physical, and team-oriented compared to India’s focus on individual skills. She has already spent over a month in Australia, playing in the Women’s Premier League for Mentone Hockey Club.

Udita, who has 138 international caps for India, is excited about the longer season. She said, “The Australian league runs nearly two months, so we get more hockey and can observe their training habits and routines.” This extended exposure helps players adapt to a new culture and teammates.

Rupinder Pal Singh believes this stint is invaluable. “Indian players rarely get to play in international leagues,” he said. He added that learning from Australia’s strong hockey system will help them return with fresh ideas. This experience with Kanika Siwach and others highlights the growing global reach of Indian hockey talent, benefiting both players and the sport.