Hockey India announces men’s, women’s squads for Hockey5 World Cup 2024

New Delhi (Uttam Hindu News): Hockey India on Sunday announced the Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams for the upcoming FIH Hockey5 World Cup to be held in Muscat, Oman. While the FIH Hockey5 Women’s World Cup will be held between January 24 and January 27, the FIH Hockey5 Men’s World Cup will begin on January 28 and conclude on January 31.

The Indian women’s team will be led by experienced goalkeeper Rajni Etimarpu and vice-captain by defender Mahima Chaudhary. The team includes Bansari Solanki as the second goalkeeper and Akshata Abaso Dhekale and Jyoti Chhatri as defenders. Mariana Kujur and Mumtaz Khan have been named as midfielders while Azmina Kujur, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal and Deepika Soreng have been named as forwards.

The Indian women’s team has been placed in Pool C along with Namibia, Poland and the United States. A total of 16 teams will participate in the FIH Hockey 5 Women’s World Cup which includes Fiji, Malaysia, Netherlands and hosts Oman in Pool A while Australia, South Africa, Ukraine and Zambia are in Pool B and New Zealand, Paraguay, Thailand and Uruguay in Pool D. Are .

Speaking about the team selection, coach Soundarya said, “The team comprises of young players who have ample international experience and an understanding of the challenges of playing in a prestigious event like the World Cup of Hockey 5K. We are well prepared and excited ahead of the tournament.” Meanwhile, the Indian men’s team is led by experienced forward Simranjit Singh, an Olympic bronze medallist, along with defender Mandeep More who has done well for India in this format. The team includes goalkeepers Suraj Karkera and Prashant Kumar Chauhan. Mandeep Mor will also join Manjeet in defence. The midfield consists of Mohammad Raheel Mousin and Maninder Singh while the forward line includes Pawan Rajbhar, Gurjot Singh and Uttam Singh along with captain Simranjeet.

Grouped in Pool B, the Indian team will play against Egypt, Jamaica and Switzerland for a place in the knockout round. Other teams in the field include Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan and Poland in Pool A and Australia, Kenya, New Zealand, Trinidad and Tobago in Pool C while Pool D includes Fiji, Malaysia, Oman and the United States.

Speaking about the men’s team, coach Sardar Singh said, “We have selected a very balanced team with youth and experience for this exciting format of hockey. Many players in this team already have experience playing this format and are eager to perform well. We have worked hard for this tournament and are looking forward to getting on the podium.”