Hockey India Unveils 26-Member Women's Squad for Australia Tour
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Synopsis
Hockey India has unveiled a 26-member squad for the women's tour to Australia, taking place from April 26 to May 4. The team will compete against Australia A and the senior Australian side in this critical preparatory series ahead of the FIH Pro League in June.
Key Takeaways
- 26-member Indian women’s hockey squad announced.
- Tour scheduled from April 26 to May 4 in Australia.
- Team captained by Salima Tete with Navneet Kaur as vice-captain.
- Mix of experienced and young players in the squad.
- Preparation for FIH Pro League 2024-25 European leg.
New Delhi, April 14 (NationPress) Hockey India officially revealed a 26-member Indian women’s team for the forthcoming tour of Australia, scheduled from April 26 to May 4 at the Perth Hockey Stadium. This five-match series will feature India competing against Australia A in the initial two matches, followed by three contests against the senior Australian squad.
The team will be captained by the dynamic midfielder Salima Tete, while experienced forward Navneet Kaur will take on the role of vice-captain. This tour serves as a vital preparatory phase ahead of the team’s European leg in the FIH Pro League 2024-25, set for June.
Veteran goalkeeper Savita and emerging talent Bichu Devi Kharibam will share the goalkeeping duties, ensuring a robust defence.
The defensive lineup blends experience with promising youth, including Jyoti Singh, Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Sujata Kujur, Suman Devi Thoudam, Jyoti, Ajmina Kujur, and Sakshi Rana.
In the midfield, Salima will lead the charge, supported by Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Sharmila Devi, Manisha Chauhan, Sunelita Toppo, Mahima Tete, Pooja Yadav, and Lalremsiami, adding depth and creativity.
The forward line is poised for action with Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Mumtaz Khan, Baljeet Kaur, Deepika Soreng, and Beauty Dungdung.
Importantly, five players—Jyoti Singh, Sujata Kujur, Ajmina Kujur, Pooja Yadav, and Mahima Tete—are set to make their debut in the senior team.
Moreover, Bansari Solanki (goalkeeper), Anjana Dundung and Lalthantluangi (defenders), Sakshi Shukla and Khaidem Shileima Chanu (midfielders), along with Dipi Monika Toppo and Sonam (forwards), have been named as standby players.
Harendra Singh, the chief coach of the Indian women’s team, expressed her views on the squad, stating, “This tour to Australia is a significant chance for us to assess our skills against top-tier competition. We have assembled a balanced squad that fuses experience with youthful energy. It’s encouraging to see young talents earning their positions through consistent performances at national tournaments and senior camps. We look forward to their adaptation and performance at the international level.”
“We have conducted extensive training at the national camp in Bengaluru, and the team is in good form—both mentally and physically. Competing against Australia A and the Hockeyroos will assist us in refining our game before the European leg of the FIH Pro League. We are focused on enhancing key areas such as fitness, decision-making, and fostering a resilient mentality to remain composed and competitive in high-stakes situations. We aim to uphold the fighting spirit displayed in the recent Pro League.”
