Hockey India Unveils 24-Member Women's Squad for FIH Pro League in Bhubaneswar
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Synopsis
Hockey India has unveiled a 24-member women's team for the FIH Pro League 2024-25 in Bhubaneswar, competing from February 15 to 25. Led by captain Salima Tete and vice-captain Navneet Kaur, the team includes a strong mix of experienced players and promising talent.
Key Takeaways
- 24-member women's team announced for FIH Pro League.
- Matches scheduled from February 15 to 25 at Kalinga Hockey Stadium.
- Captain: Salima Tete; Vice-captain: Navneet Kaur.
- Team faces England, Netherlands, Spain, and Germany.
- Opportunity for Sonam to debut internationally.
New Delhi, Jan 29 (NationPress) On Wednesday, Hockey India revealed the 24-member women's team for the upcoming Bhubaneswar leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25, set to take place at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium from February 15 to 25.
The Indian team will compete against international teams including England, the Netherlands, Spain, and Germany, facing each team twice. Their tournament begins with a match against England on February 15.
Dynamic midfielder Salima Tete has been appointed as the captain, with forward Navneet Kaur taking on the vice-captain role.
The roster features goalkeepers Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam, while defenders include Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Jyoti, Ishika Chaudhary, and Jyoti Chhatri.
The midfield consists of Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Manisha Chauhan, Salima Tete, Sunelita Toppo, Lalremsiami, Baljeet Kaur, and Sharmila Devi. The forwards include Navneet Kaur, Mumtaz Khan, Preeti Dubey, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Beauty Dungdung, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, and Vandana Katariya.
The standby list features goalkeeper Banwari Solanki, defenders Akshata Abaso Dhekale and Jyoti Singh, along with forwards Sakshi Rana, Annu, and Sonam.
According to FIH regulations, teams scheduled to play more than four matches during a Pro League stage can adjust their 24-member squad following the first four matches, making necessary changes from a pre-approved substitution list.
Sonam is particularly notable, as she may make her senior international debut after an outstanding showing in the recent Women’s Hockey India League, where she was the second-highest scorer.
Regarding the squad selection, chief coach Harendra Singh stated, "We are excited about the squad chosen for the Bhubaneswar leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25. This team is a strong combination of experienced athletes and promising young talent, essential for competing against top-tier teams in the tournament. Our goal has been to create a well-rounded squad with robust options in every position."
“I am particularly eager to witness the performances of some younger players, especially those who have demonstrated exceptional skill in the Women’s Hockey India League. We are confident in the team’s preparation, and I believe we have the potential to achieve impressive results against some of the world's best teams,” he added.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Savita Punia, Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders: Nikki Pradhan, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti Chhatri, Jyoti
Midfielders: Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Salima Tete, Manisha Chauhan, Sunelita Toppo, Lalremsiami, Sharmila Devi, Baljeet Kaur
Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Sangita Kumari, Vandana Katariya, Deepika, Preeti Dubey, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Beauty Dungdung, Mumtaz Khan
