{image-indian womens hockey_05052008.jpg news.oneindia.in}Aizawl, May 5: Mizoram Women Hockey Association (MWHA) today claimed that Mizo women have the potential to change the face of Indian women hockey.

''I strongly believe we can if provided with well-equipped training centres,'' MWHA working president Zothankimi told mediapersons here. The MWHA had initiated a hockey training centre at Thenzawl in the state in 2004 with just Rs 60,000. However, the Sports Authority of India upgraded it to a national centre with 25 girls undergoing training at present. The CPWD has sanctioned Rs two crores for an astroturf ground here but no work has been initiated so far, Ms Zothankimi said.

''Once this centre is upgraded, we can train larger number of girls for the national team,'' she added.

The centre today introduced 23-year-old Rosalyn Lalchhanhimi Ralte to mediapersons. Rosalyn represents Mizoram to the national women hockey team.

Though her team lost to US in the recent Olympic qualifier, Rosalyn was optimistic that Indian women hockey has a bright future.

''Senior players have been dropped. With junior players like us, our coaches have high hopes that Indian team will be rejuvenated in the next few years,'' Rosalyn told the press.

Besides Rosalyn, Lalhmingkimi of Chak De India fame was also has given a good name to Mizoram women hockey as she has starred in equally enthusiatic.

The lone national coach from the state, Ms Lalrampari, has also contributed a lot towards promotion of hockey in Mizoram, MWHA leaders acknowledged.

UNI