Neha Goyal’s Personal Details
Name: Neha Goyal
Date of Birth: 15 November 1996
Birthplace: Sonipat, Haryana, India
Height: 1.52 m
Position: Midfielder
Neha Goyal was born in Sonipat, Haryana, and grew up in extremely difficult financial circumstances. Her mother worked as a daily wage worker in a cycle factory, while her family struggled to afford basic sporting equipment such as hockey sticks, shoes, and proper nutrition. Despite the hardships, Neha remained determined to pursue hockey.
She started playing the sport at 11 years old and began training at an academy run by former Indian captain Pritam Rani Siwach, who played a crucial role in shaping her early career. She completed her schooling at Tika Ram Senior Secondary Girls School in Sonipat before progressing through India’s junior hockey structure.
Neha showed early promise as a midfielder and was selected for the Indian junior team at the age of 14, competing in the Junior Women’s Asia Cup in 2011. Her impressive performances also earned her the Player of the Tournament award at the U-21 Four Nations Lal Bahadur Shastri Tournament. Her performances in the junior circuit helped her earn recognition as one of India’s most promising midfielders.
Neha made her senior debut for India in 2014 during the FIH Champions Challenge in Glasgow and quickly became a regular member of the national team. Over the years, she has played a key role in India’s midfield, contributing to both defensive transitions and attacking build-ups.
She represented India in several major international tournaments, including: Tokyo Olympics 2020 (played in 2021) – India finished 4th, Women’s Hockey World Cup 2018 (London) – Scored in opening match vs England, Asian Games 2018 (Jakarta) – Silver Medal, Asian Games 2022 (Hangzhou) – Bronze Medal, Asia Cup 2017 (Japan) – Gold Medal, Asia Cup 2022 (Muscat) – Bronze Medal. Asian Champions Trophy 2018 – Silver Medal, Asian Champions Trophy 2023 (Ranchi) – Gold Medal, FIH Nations Cup 2022 (Valencia) – Gold Medal, Commonwealth Games 2022 (Birmingham) – Bronze Medal
She reached a major milestone by completing 100 international caps in 2022 and later 150 caps in 2024, highlighting her consistency and importance to the Indian team.
Neha Goyal also plays in the Women’s Hockey India League, where she captains the Odisha Warriors. Her leadership and experience make her a key figure in the tournament.
Honours & Achievements:
Olympian: Tokyo 2020 (4th place finish)
Gold Medal: Asia Cup 2017
Silver Medal: Asian Games 2018
Bronze Medal: Asian Games 2022
Gold Medal: FIH Nations Cup 2022
Bronze Medal: Commonwealth Games 2022
Gold Medal: Asian Champions Trophy 2023
