Hockey India on Saturday named a 24-member Indian Women’s Hockey Team for the nail-biting FIH Pro League. This action-packed league will be played in Belgium and the Netherlands in June ahead of the highly-anticipated FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup. India is scheduled to play against the host Belgium on June 11-12, followed by matches against Argentina on June 18-19 and then the United States on June 21.
The A team!
Led by ace goalkeeper Savita Punia and vice-captain Deep Grace Ekka, this ‘A Team’ includes a number of exceptional players. Starting from Junior World Cup stars Bichu Devi Kharibam, Ishika Chaudhary, Akshata Abaso Dhekale, Baljeet Kaur, Sangita Kumari and Deepika.
The league is also likely to witness experienced striker Rani’s return to ground, since her unfortunate hamstring injury. It must be noted that Rani made her last appearance at the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020.
The exceptional Indian team will feature skillful goalkeepers Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam, defenders Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Akshata Abaso and Dhekale. Apart from this, the midfield will have Nisha, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Monika, Neha, Jyoti, Navjot Kaur, Sonika, Salima Tete and Baljeet Kaur. The forward line will be led by experienced player Vandana Katariya along with Lalremsiami, Navneet Kaur, Sharmila Devi, Sangita Kumari, Deepika and Rani. Additionally, Rajini Etimarpu, Mahima Chaudhary and Rajwinder Kaur have been added as standbys.
A blend of experienced & young promising players
Stressing on the importance of the matches, Chief Coach Janneke Schopman said, “This is going to be a very important leg of Pro League matches in Europe as it will give us insights into our progress ahead of the World Cup in July. These matches are going to be critical in also finalizing our team for the World Cup.”
The team comprises of good, well-balanced squad with a good blend of both experienced players and promising young players who have shown great promise after their Junior World Cup outing. Notably, the revered Indian Women’s hockey team is currently holding the no.1 position on the pool table in the FIH Hockey Pro League and is keenly eyeing to conclude the season with a soaring victory.
– With inputs from ANI
