Hockey India announces 34-member group for women’s coaching camp
New Delhi (Uttam Hindu News): Hockey India has announced a 34-member core probable group for the Senior Women’s National Coaching Camp to be held at the SAI Center in Bengaluru from November 22 to December 10 ahead of the 5-nation tournament in Valencia. The tournament is scheduled to be held between December 15, 2023 and December 22.
India, Ireland, Germany, Belgium and hosts Spain will compete in the five-nation tournament in Valencia. This is an important step in the Indian women’s hockey team’s preparation for the all-important FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier Ranchi 2024, starting on January 13.
The Indian women will be feeling confident when they return to the camp after a stellar performance at the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023 earlier this month.
India won the gold medal by defeating Japan 4–0 in the final. India also remained unbeaten in the tournament in which China, Korea, Malaysia and Thailand also participated.
The core group includes goalkeepers Savita, Rajni Itimarpu, Bichu Devi Kharibam and Bansari Solanki. Whereas, Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjeet Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Akshta Abaso Dhekale, Jyoti Chhatri and Mahima Chaudhary are included in the group of defenders.
Nisha, Salima Tete, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Jyoti, Navjot Kaur, Monica, Mariana Kujur, Sonika, Neha, Baljeet Kaur, Reena Khokhar, Vaishnavi Vittal Phalke, and Azmina Kujur are the midfielders called to the camp. Whereas, Lalremsiami, Navneet Kaur, Vandana Kataria, Sharmila Devi, Deepika, Sangeeta Kumari, Mumtaz Khan, Sunelita Toppo and Beauty Dungdung are in the forward line-up.
Head coach Janek Schopman spoke about the importance of the upcoming camp, saying, “We have been in good form over the last few months. With a bronze medal at the Asian Games and a gold medal at the Asian Champions Trophy. But, it is important we keep our momentum going and ensure we are in the right frame of mind for important competitions next year. Our eyes are set on the Paris Olympics and to ensure a berth we will have to perform well in the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers.
The possible players are as follows:
Goalkeepers: Savita, Rajni Itimarpu, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Bansari Solanki
Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjeet Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Choudhary, Akshta Abaso Dhekale, Jyoti Chhatri, Mahima Choudhary.
Midfielders: Nisha, Salima Tete, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Jyoti, Navjot Kaur, Monica, Mariana Kujur, Sonika, Neha, Baljeet Kaur, Reena Khokhar, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Azmina Kujur.
Forward: Lalremsiami, Navneet Kaur, Vandana Kataria, Sharmila Devi, Deepika, Sangeeta Kumari, Mumtaz Khan, Sunelita Toppo, Beauty Dungdung.
