Anjali Dayalji Mulari’s story is one of perseverance, resilience, and boundless ambition. Born on August 20, 1993, in Christchurch, New Zealand, Mulari has carved a unique path in the world of ice hockey and inline hockey.
As a forward for the New Zealand women’s national ice hockey team, the Auckland Steel, and the Hamilton Devils, she stands as a symbol of athletic excellence and leadership. Her journey across countries and leagues—from New Zealand to France, Spain, and Sweden—speaks of an athlete unafraid to challenge limits, break barriers, and redefine expectations in sports traditionally dominated by other nations.
Early Life and Passion for Hockey
Anjali Dayalji Mulari was born to a Kiwi mother and an Indian father, a unique cultural blend that shaped her identity and drive. She spent her formative years in Hamilton, New Zealand, where her passion for hockey began. At just 11 years old, Mulari discovered inline hockey while attending Fairfield Intermediate School. From that moment, her love for the game was undeniable. By the time she graduated from Hillcrest High School at 17, she had already shown her potential as a promising young player.
In addition to her athletic pursuits, Anjali Dayalji Mulari excelled academically. Anjali Dayalji Mulari became a Sir Edmund Hillary Scholar at the University of Waikato, where she graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in biochemistry.
Her academic achievements mirrored her discipline on the rink, proving that her drive for success was not confined to the sports world. Interestingly, her older brother, Sanjay Thakker, also shared her passion for hockey and represented New Zealand in inline hockey, creating a legacy of athletic excellence within their family.
Inline Hockey Career: Rising to the Challenge
Mulari’s inline hockey career began in 2005 when she joined the Hamilton Devils’ U12 program. By 2006, she was named team captain—a sign of her leadership potential at such a young age. Under her guidance, the team secured a gold medal at the New Zealand National Championships. This early success was a mere glimpse of what was to come.
Over the years, Mulari continued to rise through the ranks. In 2011, at just 18, she was named alternate captain of the senior team, leading them to national championships in 2011, 2012, and 2013. As a captain, she took the team to another gold in 2016, further cementing her leadership and on-ice prowess.
Her talent soon transcended New Zealand’s borders. Anjali Dayalji Mulari made her mark internationally by playing for elite teams in France, Spain, and Sweden. A standout moment came when she joined the Swedish Köping Inline for the 2016 finals, scoring a record-breaking hat trick in just over two minutes and securing the championship for her team. These accomplishments not only elevated her career but also showed the world what New Zealand athletes could achieve on the global stage.
Ice Hockey Career: From Auckland to the International Arena
While her inline hockey career was soaring, Anjali Dayalji Mulari also made waves in ice hockey. In 2010, after only a few months of playing the sport, she was selected for the Auckland Steel, where she became an integral part of the team’s success. From 2010 to 2013, the Auckland Steel won four national titles, with Mulari playing a crucial role, often in leadership positions.
Her impressive performances caught the attention of international teams. In 2014, Anjali Dayalji Mulari signed with Melbourne Ice in the Australian Women’s Ice Hockey League (AWIHL), where she helped the team secure the prestigious Joan McKowen Memorial Trophy for three consecutive years. She finished the season among the league’s top scorers, proving her versatility as a forward across both inline and ice hockey.
Dominating the International Stage
Mulari’s talents extended beyond national leagues. Anjali Dayalji Mulari began representing New Zealand internationally in 2008 with the junior women’s inline hockey team. Her presence on the global stage only grew stronger, and by 2015, she was captaining the national team in the NARCh tournament. In 2016, she was again chosen for the New Zealand national team, further establishing her as a cornerstone of New Zealand’s hockey landscape.
One of the most significant moments of her career came during the 2016 IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship. Mulari’s dominance was on full display as she scored more than half of New Zealand’s goals in the tournament, leading her team and earning the title of Best Player for Team New Zealand. Her stellar performance did not stop there.
In 2017, Anjali Dayalji Mulari was appointed alternate captain of the New Zealand Ice Fernz, contributing to 75% of the team’s offensive plays and securing the Most Valuable Forward award at the World Championship.
Return and Record-Breaking Comeback
After taking a brief break to start a family, Anjali Dayalji Mulari returned to the rink in 2023 for the IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship in Cape Town, South Africa. Her return was nothing short of spectacular. In her first game, Mulari broke the New Zealand national team record for most points in a single game, showcasing her enduring talent and determination.
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