Is Hockey India Ready for the Four Nations Tournament with Their 24-Member Junior Women’s Team?

Synopsis
Hockey India has finalized its 24-member junior women’s team for the Four Nations Tournament in Argentina. With matches against top teams, this tournament is crucial for preparation ahead of the FIH Hockey Junior Women’s World Cup. The team aims for excellence and international exposure, led by captain Nidhi and vice-captain Hina Bano.
Key Takeaways
- Team Selection: 24 players selected for international exposure.
- Captain and Vice-Captain: Nidhi leads with Hina Bano as Vice-Captain.
- Preparation Focus: Matches against Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile.
- Long-Term Goals: Transition to senior team and World Cup readiness.
- International Experience: Crucial for player development.
New Delhi, May 17 (NationPress) Hockey India has revealed its lineup of 24 talented players for the upcoming Four Nations Tournament scheduled to take place in Rosario, Argentina, from May 25 to June 2.
This exciting tournament will bring together teams from Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and India. As the Indian squad gears up for the FIH Hockey Junior Women’s World Cup set for December, they will engage in two matches against each competing nation. This approach aims to assess their performance, refine team dynamics, and enhance strategies.
The team will be captained by goalkeeper Nidhi, with forward Hina Bano stepping in as Vice-Captain. The roster includes Engil Harsha Rani Minz as the second goalkeeper, while Vidyashree V is listed as a standby. The defense lineup features Mamita Oram, Lalthantluangi, Manisha, Puja Sahoo, Parwati Topno, Nandini, and Sakshi Shukla.
In the midfield, look for Priyanka Yadav, Anisha Sahu, Rajni Kerketta, Binima Dhan, Khaidem Shileima Chanu, Sanjana Horo, Supriya Kujur, and Priyanka Dogra, with Huda Khan and Munmuni Das noted as standby midfielders. The forward lineup includes Hina Bano, Sonam, Sukhveer Kaur, Geeta Yadav, Lalrinpuii, Kanika Siwach, and Karmanpreet Kaur, while Selestina Horo is a standby forward.
Commenting on the selection, Indian junior women’s team coach Tushar Khandker emphasized, “We aim to discover our top players from this group, especially with the Junior World Cup approaching in six months. This tour will offer crucial international experience for our athletes. Long-term, we are also preparing them for a seamless transition to the senior team, which is only achievable through stellar performances in major tournaments like the World Cup, making this tour vital.”
India’s first match of the tournament will be against Chile on May 25.