Annu’s Personal Details
Name: Annu
Date of Birth: 12 December 2002
Birthplace: Rojkhera village, Jind district, Haryana, India
Position: Forward
Annu was born in Rojkhera village near Jind in Haryana, a rural area with limited sports facilities. Her father Rajpal, a farmer, strongly encouraged her to pursue sports professionally from a young age. Initially, Annu played Kho-Kho, but after joining a sports nursery in Sirsa in 2011, she chose hockey as her primary sport. In 2013, she moved to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Hisar, where she trained under coach Azad Singh and began competing in national championships and youth tournaments.
Former Indian captain Rani Rampal became her biggest inspiration, as stories about Rampal’s struggles and success motivated Annu during difficult moments in her early career.
Annu gained national attention through her performances in junior tournaments. Her breakthrough came in 2023, when she played a key role in India’s victory at the Women’s Junior Asia Cup in Japan. Highlights of her junior career: Top scorer of the tournament: 9 goals in 5 matches, Scored a double hat-trick in a 22–0 win against Uzbekistan, Named Player of the Match twice during the tournament, Represented India at the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2023
Her consistent performances at the junior level made her one of India’s most promising young forwards.
Following strong performances in junior competitions, Annu was called up to the Indian senior women’s hockey team, making her debut in 2026. She quickly impressed selectors with her pace, dribbling ability, and drag-flick skills, contributing to India’s attacking depth as a forward.
At the domestic level, Annu represents Hockey Haryana and is also affiliated with the Railway Sports Promotion Board. She was picked up by Odisha Warriors in the Women’s Hockey India League auction for ₹10 lakh, marking her arrival on the professional domestic circuit. Her combination of goal-scoring instinct and technical skill makes her a valuable part of India’s emerging attacking core.
Honours & Achievements:
Gold Medal: Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2023
Participant: FIH Women’s Junior World Cup 2023
