THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, Dec 8: For the forthcoming Five Nations Tournament in Valencia 2023, Hockey India revealed the roster of 22 players constituting the Indian Women’s Hockey Team. The tournament is set to take place from December 15 to December 22 in Valencia, Spain.
In the upcoming Five Nations Tournament in Valencia, Spain, India is scheduled to compete against Ireland, Germany, Spain, and Belgium. This tournament serves as a crucial preparation event leading up to the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in Ranchi 2024, which are slated to commence on January 13, 2024.
Savita, the team’s standout goalkeeper, has been named captain, and veteran player Vandana Katariya has been named vice-captain.
Well-balanced team: Chief Coach
Chief Coach Janneke Schopman of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team commented on the team selection, saying, “We are going with a well-balanced, strong team. The tournament gives the players an ideal platform to build on the recent performances and keep themselves in the right frame of mind heading into the all-important FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024.”
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“The matches against the top European teams will also help us identify areas that need improvement ahead of the tournament, and we are looking forward to making the most out of the opportunity,” she further stated.
Goalkeepers
In the goalkeeping department, the team consists of Bichu Devi Kharibam and Savita.
Defenders
Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan (Jharkhand), Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, and Akshata Abaso Dhekale make the defensive unit.
Midfielders
The players who make up the midfield are Sonika, Jyoti, Baljeet Kaur, Navneet Kaur, Neha, Monika, Salima Tete (Jharkhand), and Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke.
Forwards
The forward line includes Vandana Katariya, Beauty Dungdung (Jharkhand), Sharmila Devi, Jyoti Chhatri, Sangita Kumari, and Deepika.
Squad
India’s Women’s Hockey squad for the Five Nations Tournament 2023 in Valencia: Savita (Captain), Bichu Devi Kharibam, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Gurjit Kaur, Akshata Abaso Dhekale, Nisha, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Monika, Salima Tete, Neha, Navneet Kaur, Sonika, Jyoti, Baljeet Kaur, Jyoti Chhatri, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, Vandana Katariya (Vice-Captain), Beauty Dundung, Sharmila Devi.
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