New Delhi: India decided to go with the tried-and-tested in the Salima Tete-led women’s hockey squad announced for this year’s Asian Games, with a couple of changes to the strike force being the only significant rejig of the side that regained its place in the FIH Pro League recently.
The 20-member squad will be aiming to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics by winning a gold at the 20th Asian Games to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4.
Salima will continue to captain the side, having led the team to the FIH Nations Cup triumph in New Zealand last month, which ensured that it spent only one season in the relegation zone.
“We have a group in which we have a nice balance between juniors, experienced players and seniors who are constantly working to get the best out of each other,” said the team’s chief coach, Sjoerd Marijne.
Savita, who recently received the Padma Shri award, and Bichu Devi Kharibam have been named as the two goalkeepers in the squad.
The defence comprises Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Ishika Chaudhary and Jyoti, besides Lalthantluangi and Shilpi Dabas, who made their senior debut during the FIH Nations Cup and were rewarded for their good performance in the tournament that India won with an unbeaten run.
In the midfield, captain Salima will be joined by Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Neha and Deepika Soreng.
The forward line features Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur and Beauty Dungdung.
“This group of players has shown that it has the right form and fitness in recent months. We are confident that this team is ready for the challenge at the Asian Games,” Marijne added.
