Bengaluru: Hockey India, on Saturday, named an 18-member Indian Women’s Hockey Team for the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024, scheduled to be held in Ranchi from 13th to 19th January.
The squad will take the field in Ranchi with the aim to finish as one of the top three teams in the competition and secure qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics. India have been placed in Pool B, along with New Zealand, Italy, and the United States. Meanwhile, Germany, Japan, Chile, and the Czech Republic will battle it out in Pool A.
India will open their campaign against the United States on the 13th January, followed by a match against New Zealand on the 14th January, and they will go up against Italy in the last Pool B match on the 16th January. The Indian Women’s Hockey Team for the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024 comprises goalkeepers, Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam. Meanwhile, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, and Monika have been named as defenders in the squad. Nisha, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Navneet Kaur, Salima Tete, Sonika, Jyoti, and Beauty Dungdung will feature in the midfield. Lalremsiami, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, and Vandana Katariya will lead the line as forwards.
Seasoned Indian custodian Savita will once again be leading the squad. Meanwhile, veteran forward Vandana Katariya has been named as Savita’s deputy for the key tournament.Speaking on the team selection, Indian Women’s Hockey Team Chief Coach Janneke Schopman said, "The FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024 is an important tournament on our Paris 2024 Olympics journey. It is imperative that we live up to expectations and all the players in the squad are working to secure qualification. After careful consideration, we have chosen a well-balanced team with immense skill and experience in all departments. Also, Savita and Vandana have faced high-pressure situations numerous times in their career so far, they are well equipped to guide the rest of the team as the Captain and Vice Captain.”
Squad: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Monika, Nisha, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha Navneet Kaur, Salima Tete, Sonika, Jyoti, Beauty Dungdung, Lalremsiami, Sangita Kumari, Deepika and Vandana Katariya.
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