Hockey India announces 18-member squad for Women’s Junior Asia Cup, Preeti to lead

1 of 1

New Delhi. Hockey India on Wednesday announced an 18-member Indian junior women’s team for the prestigious Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2023, starting June 2 in Kakamigahara, Japan.

The Indian junior women’s team will take on Korea, Malaysia, Chinese Taipei and Uzbekistan in Pool A during the group stage while Pool B comprises hosts Japan, China, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong and Indonesia. The Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 is important for the Indian junior women’s hockey team as the top three nations from the tournament will qualify for the FIH Junior Women’s Hockey World Cup 2023.

India’s campaign will be led by skipper Preeti while Deepika has been named the vice-captain. Goalkeepers Madhuri Kindo and Aditi Maheshwari have been included in the squad along with defenders Mahima Tete, Preeti, Neelam, Ropani Kumari and Anjali Barwa. The midfield includes Rutja Dadaso Pisal, Manju Chaurasia, Jyoti Chhatri, Vaishnavi Vithal Phalke, Sujata Kujur and Manashree Narendra Shedge.

India’s frontline will be led by the experienced Mumtaz Khan, vice-captains Deepika and Deepika Soreng along with newcomers Annu and Sunelita Toppo.

Talking about the team and the campaign, head coach Janek Schopman said, “It was not easy to select 18 players for the Junior Asia Cup. Have selected a strong squad. There is a lot of talent in India and it is great that these young players get a chance to showcase themselves on the international stage.”

“With Junior World Cup qualification at stake and we know we have to compete every moment, but I’m excited to see where this team can go,” he added.

India will begin their campaign against Uzbekistan on June 3 followed by a match against Malaysia on June 5. They will take on Korea on June 6 followed by a match against Chinese Taipei. The semi-finals will be held on June 10 while the final will be played on June 11.

Indian junior women’s team:

Goalkeepers: Madhuri Kindo, Aditi Maheshwari,

Defenders: Mahima Tete, Preeti (Captain), Neelam, Ropani Kumari, Anjali Barwa,

Midfielders: Rutja Dadaso Pisal, Manju Chaurasia, Jyoti Chhatri, Vaishnavi Vithal Phalke, Sujata Kujur, Manashree Narendra Shedge,

Forwards: Mumtaz Khan, Deepika (Vice-captain), Dipika Soreng, Annu, Sunelita Toppo
(IANS)

read this also – Click to read the news of your state / city before the newspaper