Maha's Rutuja Makes Forward Push in Step Up to Indian Team

Rutuja Pisal was particularly pleased about one thing at the end of the Women's Hockey India League (HIL). Even more than being part of the champion team of its inaugural edition. "It felt nice that in the final, an Indian scored the goals," she said.

- Rutvick Mehta

MUMBAI: Rutuja Pisal was particularly pleased about one thing at the end of the Women's Hockey India League (HIL). Even more than being part of the champion team of its inaugural edition. "It felt nice that in the final, an Indian scored the goals," she said.

Scoring both the goals for Odisha Warriors in their 2-1 win in the title clash last month, the forward from Maharashtra's Satara district announced her arrival on the biggest platform yet of her young career.

The 22-year-old would soon also announce her arrival on her senior international debut, producing a fine field goal against England in the just-concluded FIH Pro League in Bhubaneswar. Rutuja added another against Spain to sign off the home leg, which India finished with a win over Olympic champions Netherlands on Tuesday, with a couple of field goals.