Hockey India names 24-member women’s team for FIH Pro League Bhubaneswar leg

Hockey India on Wednesday announced a 24-member women’s squad for the Bhubaneswar leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25, scheduled to be held at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium from February 15 to 25.

India will take on England, the Netherlands, Spain, and Germany, playing each team twice. Their campaign begins with a match against England on February 15.

Dynamic midfielder Salima Tete will captain the Indian team, while forward Navneet Kaur has been named vice-captain.

The squad features goalkeepers Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam, with defenders Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Jyoti, Ishika Chaudhary, and Jyoti Chhatri.

In the midfield, the team includes Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Manisha Chauhan, Salima Tete, Sunelita Toppo, Lalremsiami, Baljeet Kaur, and Sharmila Devi. The forward lineup consists of Navneet Kaur, Mumtaz Khan, Preeti Dubey, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Beauty Dungdung, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, and Vandana Katariya.

The standby list includes goalkeeper Banwari Solanki, defenders Akshata Abaso Dhekale and Jyoti Singh, as well as forwards Sakshi Rana, Annu, and Sonam.

As per FIH regulations, if a team has more than four matches scheduled during an FIH Pro League stage, they are allowed to revise their 24-member squad after the first four matches. However, any changes must be made using players from the pre-approved substitution list.

Sonam, in particular, stands a chance to make her senior international debut after an impressive performance in the recently concluded Women’s Hockey India League, where she finished as the second-highest scorer.

Speaking about the squad selection, chief coach Harendra Singh said, “We are pleased with the squad we have selected for the Bhubaneswar leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25. This team brings a good blend of experienced players and exciting young talent, which will be crucial as we face top-level competition in the tournament. Our focus has been on building a balanced squad with strong options in every position.”

“I am particularly excited to see how some of the younger players perform, especially those who have shown great promise in the Women’s Hockey India League. We are confident in the team’s preparation and believe we have the potential to deliver strong performances against some of the best teams in the world,” he added.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam

Defenders: Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Jyoti, Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti Chhatri

Midfielders: Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Manisha Chauhan, Salima Tete, Sunelita Toppo, Lalremsiami, Baljeet Kaur, Sharmila Devi

Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Mumtaz Khan, Preeti Dubey, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Beauty Dungdung, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, Vandana Katariya