Salima Tete to lead the India squad in the Women’s Hockey World Cup; England, China await the pool stage | Hockey News
Hockey India on Friday named an unchanged 20-member Indian women’s squad for next month’s FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands, with the same group also set to represent the country at the Asian Games in September-October.The side will be captained by Salima Tete, while head coach Sjoerd Marijne said the selected group offers the right balance ahead of two major tournaments. The World Cup will be held from August 15 to 30.The squad, which is currently training at the national camp in Bengaluru, combines experienced players with youngsters who have impressed in recent international competitions.India head into the World Cup after winning the FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand last month without losing a match. The title also ensured the team’s return to the top-tier FIH Pro League.Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam were named as the two goalkeepers.The defense unit includes Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti and Shilpi Dabas.Captain Salima Tete will lead the midfield alongside Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Neha and Deepika Soreng.The front row has Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur and Beauty Dungdung.“We have selected a balanced group of players who are ready for the big challenges we will face this summer. The team has been working hard ahead of the tournament and we are confident in the abilities of this group,” said Marijne in a press release issued by Hockey India.India have been placed in Pool D along with China, England and South Africa.The team will play all of its group stage games at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands. India begin their campaign against China on August 16 before taking on South Africa on August 18 and England on August 20.“We are looking forward to competing against the best teams in the world and showing our hockey on the biggest stage,” Marijne added.The Asian Games will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan from September 19 to October 4.India Squad:Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi KharibamDefenders: Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, Shilpi DabasMidfielders: Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete (captain), Neha, Deepika SorengAhead: Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur, Beauty Dungdung.
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