Savita will lead the women’s hockey team in the Olympic qualifiers – Dainik Savera Times

Bengaluru: Hockey India on Saturday announced the 18-member Indian women’s hockey team for the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier Ranchi 2024 to be held in Ranchi from January 13 to 19. Experienced Indian goalkeeper Savita, who recently won the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year award for the third consecutive time, will once again lead the team.

The top three teams of the qualifiers will get tickets to the Paris Olympics. The team will take to Ranchi with the aim of finishing among the top three teams in the competition and securing qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics. India have been placed in Pool B along with New Zealand, Italy and the United States. Meanwhile, Germany, Japan, Chile and Czech Republic will compete in Pool A.

India will begin their campaign against the United States on January 13. Then, they will face New Zealand on January 14 and Italy in the last Pool B match on January 16. Goalkeepers Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam are included in the Indian women’s hockey team for the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier Ranchi 2024.

Meanwhile, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Choudhary and Monica have been named as defenders in the team. Nisha, Vaishnavi Vittal Phalke, Neha, Navneet Kaur, Salima Tete, Sonika, Jyoti and Beauty Dungdung will be seen in the midfield. Lalremsiami , Sangeeta Kumari, Deepika and Vandana Kataria will lead the line as forwards.

Experienced Indian custodian Savita, who recently won the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year award for the third consecutive time, will once again lead the team. Experienced forward Vandana Kataria, who recently became the first Indian women’s player to complete 300 matches, will be there. He has been named as Savita’s deputy for this important tournament.

Speaking on the team selection, Indian women’s hockey team head coach Janek Schopman said, ‘The FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier Ranchi 2024 is an important tournament in our Paris 2024 Olympic journey. It is important that we live up to the expectations.’The team is working to ensure qualification. After all consideration, we have selected a well-balanced team with immense skills and experience across all departments.