Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], December 30 : Hockey India on Saturday named an 18-member Indian women's hockey team for the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in Ranchi next year, scheduled to be held in Ranchi from January 13-19.
The squad will take the field in Ranchi with the aim of finishing as one of the top three teams in the competition and securing qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics, as per a Hockey India press release.
India has 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 January 13, followed by a match against New Zealand on January 14, and they will go up against Italy in the last Pool B match on January 16.
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, who recently won her third consecutive FIH Goalkeeper of the Year Award, will once again be leading the squad. Meanwhile, veteran forward Vandana Katariya, who recently became the first-ever woman player from India to complete 300 caps, has been named as Savita's deputy for the all-important 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 careers so far, they are well equipped to guide the rest of the team as the captain and vice captain."
Indian Women's Hockey Team for FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024:
-Goalkeepers
Savita (captain), Bichu Devi Kharibam
-Defenders
Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, and Monika
-Midfielders
Nisha, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Navneet Kaur, Salima Tete, Sonika, Jyoti, and Beauty Dungdung
Forwards
Lalremsiami, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, Vandana Katariya.
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