Reeling from the setback of missing out on the Paris Olympics, the Indian women's hockey team, led by Savita Punia and comprising 24 members, is determined to embark on a fresh journey in the upcoming FIH Pro League matches.
Vandana Katariya, who has recovered from a cheekbone fracture, resumes her role as vice-captain, having missed the Olympic Qualifiers in Ranchi earlier this month.
The team faced disappointment in Ranchi, failing to qualify for the Olympics after securing a spot in the previous two editions. Notably, in the last edition in Tokyo, the Indian team achieved a commendable fourth-place finish.
The Pro League's Bhubaneswar leg is scheduled from February 3 to February 9, followed by the Rourkela leg from February 12 to February 18. The team is set to face the United States, the Netherlands, China, and Australia twice each across both legs, commencing their campaign against reigning Asian Games champions China on February 3.
Despite the Olympic setback, the Hockey India selectors have opted to stick with the core group from Ranchi, introducing six additional players—both junior and senior—to fortify the squad.
Drag-flicker Gurjit Kaur and young Jyoti Chhatri join the Indian backline, complementing Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary and Monika.
Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam will handle the goalkeeping duties, while Sunelita Toppo emerges as a new face in the midfield, alongside Nisha, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Navneet Kaur, Salima Tete, Sonika, Jyoti and Baljeet Kaur.
The return of experienced players Vandana and Sharmila Devi is set to strengthen the Indian attack, with the addition of Young Mumtaz Khan to the forward line, which also includes Beauty Dungdung, Lalremsiami, Sangita Kumari and Deepika, all of whom were part of the team in Ranchi.
"We have a few youngsters coming in for the FIH Pro League 2023-24. The league is of immense importance to us as the champions will secure their spot in the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026," Indian women's team chief coach Janneke Schopman said.
"We will look to build upon the team chemistry and the squad is looking forward to facing some of the best teams in the world in our backyard. The aim will be to begin our campaign on a strong note and continue to improve during the League."
SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Savita (C), Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders: Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Monika, Jyoti Chhatri
Midfielders: Nisha, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Navneet Kaur, Salima Tete, Sonika, Jyoti, Baljeet Kaur, Sunelita Toppo
Forwards: Mumtaz Khan, Beauty Dungdung, Lalremsiami, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, Vandana Katariya (VC), Sharmila Devi
(With PTI inputs)
